HC Deb 01 August 1946 vol 426 cc1214-5
51. Mr. Paget

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many persons under 16, 17 and 18 years of age, respectively, have been confined in internment camps in Germany; and for what periods.

Mr. J. Hynd

As my hon. Friend will appreciate, I have not been able to obtain detailed figures in the time available. The only persons under 18 years of age now held under arrest, are the few against whom specific war crime charges are being preferred. All others have been progressively screened, and released.

Mr. Paget

Will the Minister say what steps he is taking to investigate the very specific charges brought by the hon. and gallant Member for Petersfield (Sir G. Jeffreys) and myself during the Debate?

Mr. Hynd

Certainly, all matters raised in the course of the Debate will be thoroughly investigated where it is considered there is any case for investigation. But in regard to the specific charges raised by the hon. Member for Northampton (Mr. Paget) in regard to the administration of certain camps, I gather that these have already been thoroughly investigated by the Secretary of State for War, and a report has already been given to the House. The conditions referred to by my hon. Friend in the Debate were conditions which operated before the camps, which are now closed, came under my jurisdiction.