§ 17. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Secretary of State for War if he will state how many enemy and former enemy prisoners are now in this country; and how many soldiers are employed in guarding them?
§ Mr. FORSTEROn the 20th October there were 72,065 combatant prisoners of war in the United Kingdom; the number is, of course being continually reduced as repatriation progresses. This total includes 175 both enemy and former enemy combatant prisoners if, by tile latter, the hon. and gallant Member means prisoners of war of any of the enemy belligerents with whom a Treaty of Peace has been concluded. If his question is intended to cover enemy aliens in this country, then I must refer him to my right lion. Friend the Home Secretary. From the latest Returns available, 10,244 soldiers are employed in guarding prisoners of war; but I would add that the number is being reduced daily.