HC Deb 22 October 1946 vol 427 cc1474-5
51. Mr. Stokes

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster who selects the personnel of the Political Intelligence Department employed in lecturing and screening German prisoners of war; and how many of them are of German or Jewish origin.

Mr. J. Hynd

Since July last, when this division was transferred from the Foreign Office, the selection of full time regular lecturers and screening staff has been undertaken by my Department. Three of the permanent lecturing staff and five of the screeners are of German origin. The number of those of Jewish origin is not known as this information is neither asked for nor recorded. In addition to regular lecturers there is a list of 216 part-time visiting lecturers and of these about half are of German origin.

Mr. Stokes

May I ask my hon. Friend whether he is satisfied from the reports he has received that the persons employed in these duties have such ideological backgrounds as really qualify and suit them for this very important work?

Mr. Hynd

I am satisfied from the reports I have received so far that the selection of these lecturers and screeners is working very well in relation to the task they have to perform, and that the results have so far been exceedingly satisfactory.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

Will the Minister give the whole screening process a very careful investigation for the reason that in some cases truthfulness and honesty seem to be at a discount when these examinations are conducted, a great many questions being asked which are unsuitable to the cases?