HC Deb 15 June 1948 vol 452 cc33-4W
79. Mr. Touche

asked the Minister of Agriculture what restrictions exist on the choice of agricultural employment by German ex-prisoners of war.

Mr. T. Williams

German ex-prisoners of war working in agriculture are engaged under contracts of service which expire at the end of 1948. Those in the employment of a farmer are free to give a week's notice to their employer, but before they take another engagement they must obtain the approval of the local office of the Ministry of Labour. Those employed by an agricultural executive committee have contracted to remain with the committee until the end of 1948 (unless the employment is terminated earlier by the committee) and to transfer to the service of another committee if required to do so. They may transfer to the emloyment of a farmer only with the agreement of the employing committee and the Ministry of Labour.