HC Deb 11 July 1944 vol 401 cc1561-2
12. Mr. Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that his Department is ordering special trains for German prisoners on the basis of one seat per prisoner; and, in order that the British public and soldiers on leave may enjoy a fair share of the accommodation and locomotive power available, whether he will give instructions that in future accommodation is to be provided on the basis of one seat per two prisoners.

Sir J. Griggg

I sympathise with the hon. Member's suggestion. But in order to maintain proper control of the prisoners with the minimum number of guards it is essential that they should all be seated, and I regret, therefore, that the hon. Member's suggestion is not practicable.

Mr. Keeling

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that on the Continent British prisoners are satisfactorily guarded by the enemy in trucks—quarante hommes per truck—and will he reconsider this matter, which really is arousing considerable public indignation?

Sir H. Morris-Jones

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his colleagues in this House have to stand in railway corridors for hours on end; and why is this preferential treatment given to German prisoners of war?

Sir J. Grigg

It is in the interest of guarding them for the State.