HC Deb 10 December 1946 vol 431 cc968-9
42. Mr. Dodds-Parker

asked the Secretary of State for War in what circumstances four German prisoners of war, working at Bicester, were arrested at Witney, attempting to sell motor-car tyres to a civilian.

Mr. Bellenger

The Germans were arrested by the civil police. The investigations to which I referred in my reply to the hon. Member last week are not yet complete.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the dumps at Bicester Central Ordnance Depot are said to be practically unguarded, and that many of the trucks which are now driven by Germans go through and the Germans help themselves, as in this case?

Mr. Bellenger

I should not like to think that Germans are helping themselves at our Ordnance Depot at Bicester, but in regard to the first part of the supplementary question, that is just one of our difficulties at the present moment—to provide adequate manpower for the Army.

Mr. Stokes

Another reason for sending them home.