§ 25. Sir Wavell Wakefieldasked the Secretary of State for War how many residential houses in Swindon are being retained by his Department for the use of Italians.
§ Sir J. GriggFour houses, and rooms over four shops at Swindon, are at present 626 being used to accommodate Italian prisoners of war who work in a nearby military depot.
§ Sir W. WakefieldIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable feeing in Swindon over this affair because of the great discomfort suffered by families of soldiers, sailors and airmen owing to shortage of accommodation? If there is any discomfort to be suffered, cannot it be suffered by Italians rather than by the families of Servicemen?
§ Sir J. GriggI quite understand all that and appreciate it, but the fact remains that certain work has to be done and there is not British personnel available to do it. It has, therefore, to be done by Italians, and under the Prisoners-of-War Convention they have to be housed somewhere.
§ Sir W. WakefieldWhy cannot the Italians be put into tents?
§ Sir J. GriggI will certainly consider that, but under the terms of the Convention they have to be given the same sort of accommodation as British depot troops are given.