§ 27. Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will withdraw the non-fraternisation order now in force against Italian co-operators employed in this country.
Sir J. GriģģItalian co-operators have always been permitted to talk to members of the public and accept invitations to visit their homes.
§ Mr. StokesWill the Secretary of State make that known to persons commanding camps where Italian co-operators are being used? Is he aware that this non-fraternisation order still exists and is causing some considerable trouble?
§ Mr. StokesIs the right hon. Gentleman responsible for all prisoners of war or only for prisoners of war working under Army conditions? In Air Force camps is he responsible for them or not?
Sir J. GriģģI do not think there are any separate Air Force camps for prisoners of war. The general responsibility for Italian prisoners of war is mine. I am not quite clear as to the exact responsibility of the employing Departments.
§ Mr. StokesIf I send the right hon. Gentleman particulars of this camp where the non-fraternisation order is in force, will he look into it with his right hon. Friend?
§ Mr. StokesIs he responsible?
Sir J. GriģģThat is the question that I am trying to answer. For the general conditions of all prisoners in the country and their general custody I am responsible. I am not sure that I can answer without notice who is responsible in detail when they are farmed out for particular purposes.
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir Gilbert Acland-TroyteIs my right hon. Friend aware that a large number of people object to these Italians walking loose all over the country?
Sir J. GriģģIt has been brought home to me on more than one occasion that there are two opinions on this matter and, as usual, I comfort myself with the thought that the War Office has steered its way reasonably in the centre between them.