HC Deb 27 July 1944 vol 402 c897
67. Captain Cunningham-Reid

asked the Secretary of State for War whether first-class carriages are reserved on British railways for German officer prisoners.

Mr. A. Henderson

No, Sir. I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Stoke (Mr. Ellis Smith) on 20th July.

Captain Cunningham-Reid

I do not know where the Minister got that information, but may I ask whether he is aware that on the train leaving Euston at 10.25 on 6th July, a whole first-class carriage was reserved for a German prisoner officer and his escort of three, and that first-class and third-class passengers in consequence had to stand in the corridor outside? Does the Minister approve of a policy which gives priority to Germans over Britishers?

Mr. Henderson

In regard to the latter part of the question, I have already indicated that it is the policy of the Department that German officer prisoners shall travel third-class. In regard to the first part, I will certainly look into the actual incident that occurred.

Mr. Keeling

Have the Army authorities power, which they do in fact exercise, to remove British civilians from railway carriages in order to make room for German prisoners?

Mr. Henderson

I would like notice of that question.

Colonel Burton

Is the Minister not aware that this process has already been carried out on the London and North Eastern Railway, on a number of occasions?