HC Deb 08 October 1946 vol 427 cc16-7
34. Mr. Quintin Hogg

asked the Secretary of State for War how many casualties have occurred among mine clearance parties in the United Kingdom.

38. Mr. Martin Lindsay

asked the Secretary of State for War how many casualties have occurred among mine clearance parties in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Bellenger

One hundred and eighty-five casualties, of which 139 were fatal, have been sustained since 1943 by the British Army bomb disposal units engaged on mine clearance in the United Kingdom. Similar casualties incurred by other Army personnel are not separately classified, but the numbers are believed to be relatively small.

Mr. Lindsay

May we have an assurance that German prisoners will be used as much as possible to do this work, in order to relieve British Servicemen?

Mr. Bellenger

Yes, Sir. They are being used as much as possible.