HC Deb 03 December 1946 vol 431 cc202-3
38. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for War on what grounds it is proposed to maintain the detention of prisoners of war in the Middle East; and why steps cannot now be taken to repatriate them at least at the rate of 5,000 a month, which is proportionate to the rate of repatriation from this country.

Mr. Bellenger

A total of 8,300 Austrian and German prisoners of war are being repatriated from the Middle East in November and December. Between 2,000 and 2,500 Germans will be repatriated each month from January to June next year, but facilities are not available for the movement of more than this number The situation thereafter should improve, and I expect that at least 5,000 a month will then be repatriated

Mr. Stokes

Will my right hon. Friend assure the House that the only reason for not repatriating them at the same rate as the repatriation of those from this country will be the absence of transport facilities, and not because they are required for slave labour in the Middle East?

Mr. Bellenger

I do not know what my hon Friend's interpretation of "slave labour" is

Mr. Stokes

What we are doing here.

Mr. Bellenger

I must say that German prisoners of war held in British hands are not subjected to forced labour, as many were under the German régime

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

Will my right hon. Friend look into the question of improving the conditions of these prisoners in the Middle East, which are nothing like as good as those obtaining in this country for their compatriots?

Mr. Bellenger

I will do what I can.

Mr. Eden

At the same time as the right hon. Gentleman is concerned about that, I know he will also bear in mind the position of our own people out there.

39. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for War how many prisoners of war were repatriated to Germany during the month of November; and when he expects to speed the rate of repatriation up to 30,000 a month.

Mr. Bellenger

15,429 German prisoners of war were repatriated during November I am unable to say when the rate of repatriation will be increased materially beyond the target of 15,000 a month.

Mr. Stokes

Is my right hon. Friend aware that he will not be left alone until he can say?