BRITISH PRISONERS OF WAR, GERMANY (WORK IN COALMINES)

HC Deb 10 May 1944 vol 399 cc1910-1

72. Mr. Lipson

asked the Secretary of State for War to what extent British prisoners of war in Germany have been compelled to work in coalmines.

Mr. A. Henderson

About 20,000 British prisoners of war—many of then miners by profession—are working in German coalmines. The conditions under which they work are by no means uniformly satisfactory, and several protests have been made through the Protecting Power.

Mr. Lipson

May I ask whether the Germans are acting within their legal rights under international law, in employing prisoners of war at all?

Mr. Henderson

I am advised that there is nothing in the Geneva Convention which prevents them doing this.

Mr. Lipson

Will the Minister say whether the British Government are proposing to do the same as the German Government?

Mr. Henderson

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that Question down.