HC Deb 10 October 1944 vol 403 cc1572-3
50. Captain Gammans

asked the Prime Minister why German' prisoners are not employed on clearing bombed sites and in preparing roads, services, and footings for post-war building operations.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Tomlinson)

I have been asked to reply. Numbers of German prisoners are already engaged on suitable work, but arrangements for employing them on the work mentioned in the Question have not so far been found to be practicable.

Captain Gammans

Is it not a fact that British prisoners taken by Germany have been made use of in clearing up bomb sites in Hamburg and other German towns?

Mr. Tomlinson

I do not say that it is not possible, but that so far it has not been found practicable.

Mr. Astor

Can the hon. Gentleman say what are the obstacles to such procedure? Will he explain it in detail?

Mr. Tomlinson

Not at the moment.

Mr. Astor

The hon. Member must know them.