asked the Minister for External Affairs if he will state if he has received an intimation from the British Government that, in view of the fact that 250,000 German prisoners of war are to be allocated for the rebuilding of bombed areas in Britain, Irish workers are being permitted to remain in Britain on a day to day basis only, and that they will be repatriated in bulk as soon as their jobs can be filled by British ex-Servicemen or German prisoners of war; and if he will make a statement in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Workers in Britain.
I have received no such intimation, and I have, therefore, no statement to make on the matter.
Is the Taoiseach aware that it has appeared in English papers that the contents of this question are accurate?
I am aware that it has appeared in English papers, but not everything that appears in English papers is correct.
And that it was notified by the Commissioner from London?
It is not so.
Is that not correct?
I have seen an English newspaper reference, but I got no intimation and I do not believe the report is correct.
Question No. 2.
Deputy Norton was good enough, about a fortnight ago, when he proposed first to put down this question, to defer it until to-day in view of the representations that I indicated to him had been made. I wonder could I ask him to defer it for another week?
Certainly.