HC Deb 26 February 1946 vol 419 cc1739-40
49. Major Symonds

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether, in view of the repatriation of Italian prisoners of war, the arrangements, forecast in November last, for the repatriation of non-Nazi Austrian prisoners of war have now been completed.

The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Mr. John Hynd)

Of the non-Nazi Austrian prisoners of war in the United Kingdom those whose return has been asked for as a matter of urgency have been or are being repatriated; the remainder are being classified according to the zone from which they came with a view to repatriating them as quickly as the limited transport facilities will allow. Repatriation is also proceeding from the British zone of Germany and arrangements are in hand for repatriation from the Middle East.

Mr. Nicholson

When the hon. Gentleman says, "Those whose return has been asked for as a matter of urgency," will he say by whom?

Mr. Hynd

By the British elements of the Austrian Control Authority.

Mr. Turton

Before prisoners of war are withdrawn from agriculture will the Chancellor see that other men are put in their places?