71. Mr. Arthur Duckworthasked the Minister of Food if he has any statement to make on the labour difficulties which delayed the start of the manufacturing campaign at Allscott beet-sugar factory; and what disciplinary action has been taken against the Italian prisoners who refused to work.
§ Mr. MabaneThe opening of the manufacturing campaign at Allscott Beet Sugar Factory was delayed for one day owing to the refusal of certain Italian prisoners of war to work on a shift system. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War that these men were sentenced to detention. The situation was immediately remedied by bringing in other Italian prisoners of war and the factory was in full production within three days.
Mr. DuckworthIs my right hon. Friend fully aware of the very unfortunate impression an incident of this sort creates in the public mind, and the great hostility it has caused among my constituents against these Italian prisoners?
§ Earl WintertonUnder what powers conferred by the Geneva Convention' is punishment inflicted on prisoners of war for refusing to work, in view of the fact that His Majesty's Government have constantly stated that in accordance with international law no prisoner of war can be made to work?
§ Mr. MabaneThat question should be addressed to the Secretary of State for War, who supplied me with the information which I gave.
§ Earl WintertonIt is quite contrary to international law.