HC Deb 23 May 1944 vol 400 cc557-8
15. Mr. G. Strauss

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any comprehensive code has been issued governing the conduct of Italian prisoners of war who have volunteered to serve in the Allied Forces; and will he reconsider the order which prohibits these men from entering a shop, cinema or public houses.

Sir J. Grigg

Administrative instructions have been issued to the Commandants of Italian Labour Battalions. Such restrictions as are in force were imposed in order that the Italians should not compete with the general public for goods and amenities in short supply. But the operation of the restrictions is being watched to see whether any relaxation can properly be made.

Mr. Strauss

The right hon. Gentleman's remarks surely cannot apply to cinemas, because cinema seats are in short supply. Why should not Italian soldiers who have volunteered to fight with the Allied Nations have the same privileges as Germans?

Sir J. Grigg

I should have thought, judging from the crowds one sees outside any cinema, that there was a shortage of accommodation. But in any case these men are given cinema shows in their own camps.

Mr. Strauss

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my Question?

Sir J. Grigg

The answer to that is contained in the last sentence of my answer. The restrictions are being watched to see if any relaxation can properly be made.

Sir A. Southby

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that before we clasp these co-belligerent Italians quite so fondly to our bosoms we should remember it is not so long ago since they were actually engaged in shooting our own sons and brothers?

Mr. Bellenger

Is it not a fact that at present these prisoners cannot go into any of the places named in the Question because they are not issued with any money except token money, which they can only spend in their own camps? Does not the right hon. Gentleman visualise improving that situation?

Sir J. Grigg

Perhaps the hon. Member would put that question down.

Mr. Strauss

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that many of these men are as anti-Fascist as anyone here, and came to this country in the hope that they might be able to take part in the war?

Sir J. Grigg

That is as may be. I understand that they came here as prisoners of war.