§ 47. Lady Apsleyasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the rapidly changing conditions in Germany, consideration will now be given to the appointment of a Minister to be responsible for all action in connection with the repatriation and rehabilitation of prisoners of war.
§ The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)His Majesty's Government have considered this question on a number of occasions and I am not aware of any reason for changing the present arrangements now.
§ Lady ApsleyMay I ask the Deputy Prime Minister to reconsider this decision in view of the understandable anxiety not 1226 only of parents, but of the country as a whole, that all is not being done at the present time that might be done?
§ Mr. AttleeI am aware of the natural anxiety but I am not convinced that the appointment of a special Minister for this purpose would be effective in relieving anxiety.
§ Mr. McGovernIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the strong feeling in the country that it is nobody's job to look after these men and that it would be much more satisfactory if there was a Minister in Parliament who could reply in respect of prisoners of war?
§ Mr. AttleeThat is quite a wrong impression and I hope that my hon. Friend will correct it.