§ 48. Lieut.- Commander KENWORTHYasked the Prime Minister what steps are being taken to repatriate the German prisoners of war in this country now that the German Government has ratified the Peace Treaty; and whether he is aware that numbers of these men are still employed on the land in this country, thereby keeping British subjects out of employment?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThese prisoners will be repatriated as speedily as possible after the ratification of the Peace Treaty, but this is a matter which, under the Peace Treaty, must be dealt with jointly with our Allies. As regards the last part of the question, I have no knowledge of any case where a British subject is being kept out of employment by a German prisoner. I am informed that the need for men on the land is very great, and if any man wanting work on a farm will communicate with the Board of Agriculture. that Department will take immediate steps to find him employment.
§ Lieut.- Commander KENWORTHYWhat is meant exactly by "ratifying" the Peace Treaty? I understand that this country and Germany have ratified it. Are we to wait until the whole of the twenty-three Allies have ratified it before thesis men can go back?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat has been explained more than once. It becomes ratified as soon as it receives the ratification of three Powers.
§ Mr. BILLINGIn the event of a British labourer applying for work on a farm where Germans are at present employed, will the German prisoners be dismissed to give him an opportunity of finding work?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThat difficulty does not arise, because, I am informed, there is more work for agricultural labourers than there are labourers to do it.
§ Colonel YATEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the farmers say that if the German prisoners are removed they do not know what they will do?