HC Deb 30 October 1946 vol 428 cc614-5
54. Mr. Stokes

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that the Government of Czechoslovakia is now prepared to allow Sudeten German men whose families have already been expelled to Western Germany without them, to rejoin them in the Western zones, if not serving a sentence of more than one year; and whether he will take steps to make this widely known in the British zone, so that families can apply for their men-folk if still detained in Czechoslovakia.

Mr. J. Hynd

No, Sir. I am not aware that such a proposal has been made. Sudeten Germans are in any event not expelled into the British zone.

Mr. Stokes

Is my hon. Friend aware that quite a large number of Sudeten Germans' wives are in the British zone, and, in view of the fact that the decision has been made by the Czechoslovak Government but has not been made known publicly, will he see that it is widely broadcast in the British zone?

Mr. Hynd

I am not aware whether there are Sudeten Germans' wives in the British zone, or, if so, how many, but I understand the decision relates to those men expelled from the Western zone, and that the scheme provides for Sudeten Germans to come into the British zone.