HC Deb 21 February 1940 vol 357 c1320
11. Colonel Wedgwood

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the German treatment of Polish prisoners, he will consider whether German prisoners from scuttled ships may be usefully employed on dredgers, trawlers and lightships instead of keeping them in idleness for the rest of the war?

Mr. Butler

It would be undesirable for a variety of reasons to adopt this practice.

Colonel Wedgwood

Are the Government aware of the treatment administered to our Allies by Germany and cannot that be affected by our dealings with German prisoners?

Mr. Butler

I am afraid not in this case, because these men are civilian internees.