HC Deb 22 October 1946 vol 427 cc1469-70
37. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for War the total number of surrendered enemy personnel, as distinct from prisoners of war, now held by us; how many of both categories are between 14 and 17 years of age; how many Germans are likely to be brought to this country from the Continent and under what financial and other conditions; and whether the same attempted classification of white, grey and black operates among those who are held in Germany as in this country.

Mr. Bellenger

About 5,000 are held by B.A.O.R. and 33,000 by C.M.F. I have no information as to their age groups; no more of these Germans are likely to be brought to this country from the Continent; I am informed that German prisoners of war and surrendered enemy personnel held in Germany are not classified politically as in this country.

Mr. Sorensen

Will my right hon. Friend reply to the second sentence of my Question regarding the number between 14 and 17 years of age?

Mr. Bellenger

I said that I had no information as to their age groups

Mr. Sorensen

Will my right hon. Friend inquire as to how many young men there are within this category, and if he finds any number at all, will he see that they are immediately released?

Mr. Bellenger

I will endeavour to get all the information I can on the matter.