HC Deb 06 June 1944 vol 400 cc1185-6
12. Mr. Edgar Granville

asked the Secretary of State for War, if he has inquired into the incident in an East Anglian prisoner of war camp when non-co-operative Italian prisoners of war went on strike in sympathy with two of their number who were given disciplinary treatment because they refused to work with co-operative prisoners; and whether he will make a statement.

Sir J. Grigg

I understand that Italian prisoners of war, none of whom were cooperators, struck in sympathy with some of their number who refused to do certain work. The strike, which is now over, had nothing to do with a refusal to work with co-operators.

Mr. Granville

Can the right hon. Gentlemen say whether these Fascist non-co-operators have direct contact with the co-operating prisoners of war; if so, will he see that the latter are not bullied by these Fascists, and will he see to it that proper discipline is applied in prisoner of war camps of this kind?

Sir J. Grigg

There are two quite separate questions there. The answer to the second one is that discipline was administered in these particular cases. To the best of my knowledge there was no question of any contact with co-operators in this particular place. If the hon. Member wants a more general answer perhaps he will put down another Question.