asked the Minister of Labour how many European volunteer workers are engaged in the Lancashire cotton textile industry; and how many have sought permission to return home.

The number at present employed in this industry is not available but approximately 9,000 have been recruited. This includes 1,200 Austrians and Italians who came on a temporary two-year engagement of whom about 250 have gone home. Permission to return home is not needed.

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that these people are being absorbed into the Lancashire cotton towns without difficulty; and is it intended to bring more of these voluntary workers into the Lancashire cotton towns?

There may well be small instances of difficulty in this sort of thing, but I have not heard of any difficulty of any size in the absorption of these people. I do not know that there is at the moment any question of bringing more in.

Is it not a fact that these people have done admirable work?

Yes, Sir.