HC Deb 04 December 1947 vol 445 cc87-8W
57. Mr. W. J. Brown

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that many displaced persons serving in domestic work in hospitals and sanatoria, after completing their year of service, are leaving their employment for other occupations, thereby re-creating a shortage of domestic labour in these institutions; and what arrangements he proposes to make in these circumstances to restore the original priority which hospitals and sanatoria were given in respect of domestic workers.

Mr. Ness Edwards

I am not aware that the position is as stated in the first part of the Question. Work in hospitals and sanatoria is essential employment and is, therefore, employment in which European volunteer workers will in general be expected to remain. Any such women who press for a change are being given the option firstly of work in the textile industries and secondly of work in one of the other undermanned industries open to European volunteer workers. Vacancies created as a consequence are being filled by other European volunteer workers.