HC Deb 20 February 1947 vol 433 cc197-8W
55. Mr. Molson

asked the Minister of Labour when his Department interviewed Poles for work in the mines; how many were found to be willing and suitable for the work; and how many such men have started work or training.

Mr. Isaacs

Poles claiming mining experience were interviewed in Scotland last June by officers of the Ministry of Fuel and Power and 200 of these were willing to consider employment in the mines and were classified as suitable, a number of whom subsequently decided to return to Poland or to emigrate. At that time, however, the industry had not agreed to accept Poles for work in the mines. Agreement in principle was only recently secured subject to further consultation and agreement on detail. This has now been achieved and the selection of men in consultation with industrial representatives will begin this week but it will be some little time before the maximum flow into the training centres is achieved.

Forward to