64. Captain Duncanasked the Secretary of State for War whether, under the Geneva Convention, it is customary for prisoners of war to be ordered to work, provided the work is not of a military character.
§ Sir J. GriggThe Geneva Convention permits the detaining Power to employ as workmen other-rank prisoners of war who are physically fit, provided that the work done by prisoners of war has no direct connection with the operations at the war and is not dangerous or unhealthy. Non-commissioned officers who are prisoners of war may be compelled to do only 1261 supervisory work, and officers may only be employed if they volunteer.
Captain DuncanWill my right hon. Friend convey that information to the Noble Lord the Member for Horsham and Worthing (Earl Winterton), so that he will not make errors on questions of fact in this House again?
§ 70. Flight-Lieutenant Teelingasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in East Anglia Service men have been refused entry to cinemas which were already full and that Italian prisoners were already in the audience, which led in one case to disturbances; and whether he can make arrangements to prevent Italian prisoners from attending cinemas in districts where there is not enough room for British and United Nations subjects.
§ Sir J. GriggI am not aware of any such incidents. Instructions have been in force for some time that cinema managers should be consulted as to the number of Italians who can attend any performance.