§ 46. Mr. Edelmanasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster how many anti-Nazi German prisoners of war are available for the Oberon scheme for repatriating German prisoners of war; how many prisoners of war have thus been repatriated; and what steps he is taking to accelerate the repatriation of anti-Nazi prisoners of war in order that they may help in the reconstruction of a democratic Germany.
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. John Hynd)There are at present in this country some 19,000 anti-Nazi German prisoners-of-war who have been screened for consideration under this scheme. Some 2,200 have been selected as suitable for return to Germany. About 650 have been repatriated. Three hundred and fifty miners have also been 172 selected for priority return. The Control Commission in Germany are ready to accept any number of anti-Nazi miners, bank officials, lawyers, factory managers, police, as well as experienced workers in agriculture and food processing, transport, post and telegraph services and public utilities. Repatriation of these prisoners is proceeding as fast as possible
§ Mr. EdelmanWill the Minister bear in mind that the sooner these anti-Nazi German prisoners of war return to Germany, the sooner will the administrative burden on the British element of the Allied Control Commission be lightened?
§ Mr. HyndWe are acutely aware of that, and that is why we have taken such trouble to. screen and train these men, but there are physical difficulties in transporting large bodies of men to Germany.
§ Commander Douglas MarshallIs the hon. Gentleman aware of the shortage of labour in agriculture, and will he do everything possible to see that this country is not deprived of food in order to reconstruct Germany?