§ 26. Mr. ALFRED SHORTasked whether prisoners of war are employed on the construction of a railway line at Frimley, Surrey; and, if so, what is the scale of wages paid?
§ Mr. WARDLEI have made inquiries locally in the matter, and am informed that, although there are prisoners in camp in the district, they are not employed on work of the kind suggested by the hon. Member, but are merely engaged on general camp clearing work, pending their withdrawal.
§ Mr. WARDLEI understand that the prisoners of war were employed at the Buxton lime quarries at the urgent request of both employers and employed in the industry. Their employment was necessitated by the serious shortage in the production of limestone. It has now been found possible to make other arrangements, and the employment of these men will be discontinued as from the 18th July.
44. Lieut.-Colonel THORNEasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the indignation existing among discharged soldiers and sailors who are unemployed in consequence of the retention of large numbers of German prisoners in factories and other industrial establishments; and if he will state what action the Government proposes to take in the matter?
§ Mr. WARDLEI have been asked to reply to this question. I am not aware of any case in which German prisoners are employed in factories or industrial establishments. If my hon. Friend will supply me with specific instances I will have immediate inquiries made.