HC Deb 30 September 1942 vol 383 c745
1. Mr. Tinker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what progress has been made with other countries for the repatriation of permanently disabled prisoners of war?

3. Mr. Lipson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he has under consideration a further attempt to effect with the German Government an exchange of disabled prisoners of war?

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Eden)

Conversations have been proceeding for some time, through the channel of the Protecting Power, but I regret that I am not yet in a position to make any further statement.

Mr. Tinker

I understand that last time negotiations broke down because of the disparity in numbers. That was a breach of international law, but the German. Government did not want to send back more men than they got from us. I hope that if that is the only consideration it will not be allowed to stand in the way.

Mr. Eden

I fully understand my hon. Friend's feelings and his point. I think he will understand me if I say that I would rather not discuss the matter in public, because that might have some effect on the course of the negotiations.

Mr. Lipson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that everybody is delighted that the negotiations are going on and wishes him every success?