§ 22. Mr. GILBERTasked the Secretary of State for War and Air whether he has now received any report from the British headquarters in Cologne as to the employment of German civilians with the British Army of Occupation; and can he state the number of Germans employed, the duties they perform, their rate of pay, and the reasons for employing them.
§ 12. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked whether German civilians are employed as batmen, motor drivers, telephone operators, and in similar posts with the British Army of the Rhine; and, if so, what is the approximate number so employed.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe reply is in the affirmative. Owing to a shortage of technical personnel, mainly in the medical and administrative services, it is necessary to employ local personnel as a temporary measure. As a measure of economy a considerable number of local civilians are also employed on labour duties. The total number so employed is 2,949. Skilled tradesmen are being gradually withdrawn as qualified British soldiers become available to replace them. No German clerks are employed at British headquarters or in the staff offices. Pay is at local trade union rates which vary from that for boy messengers upwards.
§ Mr. BILLINGWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of effecting further economy by enlisting Germans in the British Army of Occupation?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI understand the difficulties of the right hon. Gentleman, but is it really wise to use Germans to work the telephones?
Mr. PALMERHas the right hon. Gentleman considered the advisability of employing ex-service men, now out of work in London, many of whom would be willing to serve?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI am not so sure about that. We are acting with a desire to use combatant men as far as possible. I do not think there is any cause for disquietude on this matter.
§ Colonel CLAUDE LOWTHERHas the right hon. Gentleman asked for volunteers for this specific purpose?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI have not, nor do I think there is any necessity. Local labour is easily obtained for the services required.
§ Mr. GILBERTIs this the maximum number of men that will be employed or is it intended to still further increase it?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI should think it will be somewhat decreased, but I am not giving any definite pledge.
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSAre these Germans included in the number of British troops authorised by Treaty, and if not is not the right hon. Gentleman' exceeding his authority?