HC Deb 27 March 1945 vol 409 cc1304-5
37. Sir A. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for War how many British prisoners of war have now been liberated by the Soviet Armies; and how many, names of such men have been communicated to their relatives.

Sir J. Griģģ

The answer to the first part of the Question is still 2,661 prisoners of war from the British Commonwealth. Of these we have received the names of 1,758 members of the United Kinģdom Forces, and the next-of-kin have been informed. Four hundred and fifteen names of members of other Commonwealth Forces have also been received.

Sir A. Knox

Is there not great delay in passing on the names of prisoners of war to relatives, who are very anxious about them?

Sir J. Griģģ

There is certainly no delay once we get them.

Captain McEwen

Is it any use us maKinģ inquiries of the right hon. Gentleman about individual prisoners of war?

Sir J. Griģģ

No, Sir; because directly the names are received they are sent to the relatives.