HC Deb 14 October 1943 vol 392 c1029
9. Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

asked the Minister of Labour whether he has considered the possibility of relieving the man-power shortage by making further use of Italian prisoners of war, especially of skilled men in their pre-war occupations?

Mr. Bevin

This matter is under consideration.

Sir A. Knox

Will the right hon. Gentleman do his best to get these Italian prisoners of war a new status under his organisation so that further use may be made of them, not confining the use to quarrying and agricultural work?

Mr. Bevin

I am responsible for the allocation of prisoners of war in this country to the various Departments which call for them under the present régime, but as I have said in my answer it is obvious now that matters will have to be reconsidered.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Will the Minister consider whether we cannot use German prisoners of war as we did in the last war?

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