HC Deb 28 February 1945 vol 408 cc1390-1
96. Commander Sir Archibald Southby

asked the Minister of Works, in view of the admitted shortage of labour in the building trade, how many German and how many Italian prisoners of war are now employed on the repair or construction of houses for the civilian population and upon what date did they first commence work.

Mr. Sandys

On security grounds German prisoners of war have not been used for this type of work. Some 300 Italians have, during the past few months, been employed on work connected with war damage repairs and temporary housing. Arrangements have been made to increase this number by a further 1,500. In addition some 2,000 are engaged on building work of other kinds and about 500 on the production of building materials.

Sir A. Southby

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there is a vast reserve of potential skilled and semiskilled labour amongst prisoners of war, who might well be employed in repairing the damage that their nationals have done and in helping people to resume possession of their premises?

Mr. Sandys

As far as the use of prisoners of war on building is concerned, it does not seem to me to matter whether they are used on war damage repairs or on other building work. The important thing is to use them fully and to use them where it is most convenient. Those that are used on other building work will release British workmen for bomb repairs and housing.

Sir A. Southby

Are obstacles being put in my right hon. Friend's way with regard to the use of these prisoners?

Mr. Sandys

I do not know to what obstacles my hon. and gallant Friend refers.

Mr. G. Strauss

Would it not require a large number of guards for security purposes if 20 or 30 prisoners were doing bomb damage repair, which would be a great waste of man-power?

Mr. Sandys

Bomb damage repairs inside occupied houses are not very suitable work for prisoners.