§ 18. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Secretary of State for War why the repatriation promises made to those Grade A prisoners of war who arrived in January from the Middle East to attend a course at Wilton Park have not been honoured; and why they are being held in Camp 23 under conditions unsuitable for this democratic type of prisoner, while Grade B men there are being sent back to Germany.
§ Mr. BellengerThese men completed their course on 21st February, and it was originally the intention to repatriate them on 29th March. As, however, the numbers ready for repatriation on that day exceeded the accommodation available their sailing had to be delayed and they will sail on 10th April. No. 23 Camp is a transit camp. It is not possible to provide separate transit camps for any particular type of prisoner of war.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeIs my right hon. Friend aware that the atmosphere at this camp is excessively militaristic, and. that the bulk of these men were in the anti-Hitler underground movement in Germany, and ought, therefore, to be sent back on a priority basis?
§ Mr. BellengerI think that is an entirely different question. I am satisfied that the treatment of prisoners of war in this country, either at ordinary or transit camps, is far better than our men ever got in Germany.