HC Deb 16 June 1947 vol 438 c166W
72. Wing-Commander Hulbert

asked the Minister of Works how many prisoners of war are now employed in the building industry; and what arrangements are made to replace them by British workmen when they are repatriated.

Mr. Key

The number of prisoners of war employed in the building and civil engineering industries on 31st May, 1947, was 21,252. As they are employed only where British labour is not available it may not be possible immediately to replace them on repatriation by British workers. The deficiency may be partly met by the employment of Poles.