HC Deb 04 August 1947 vol 441 cc986-8
64. Mr. Lipson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs how many applications have been received within the last recorded six months for German prisoners of war to be allowed to go home on compassionate grounds; and how many granted.

Mr. Mayhew

Twenty-three thousand, three hundred and eighty-four applications were received and 4,103 were granted in the last six months.

Mr. Lipson

In view of the comparatively small number granted compared with the number of applications made, will the hon. Gentleman say whether a more generous interpretation of the term "compassionate grounds" could not be applied?

Mr. Mayhew

The allocations will go up somewhat in the next month or two, and we are anxious to do all we can, but there are grave administrative and accommodation difficulties to be overcome in Germany.

Mr. King

Is this not far too small a percentage? Is it not also a fact that for every one repatriated on compassionate grounds, someone else who would otherwise be repatriated is held back?

Mr. Mayhew

Yes, Sir, but we have a very fair machine for the compassionate releases. We have sent over 4,000 back, and on the whole we can be proud of what we have done.

Mr. Lipson

Would the hon. Gentleman bear in mind what compassionate release meant to the men in our own Forces in certain circumstances and also bear in mind that the German prisoners of war have very similar feelings?

Mr. Mayhew

Yes, Sir; I do appreciate that warmly.

Mr. Driberg

Although my hon. Friend says, "Yes, Sir"—that somebody else has to be held back every time there is a compassionate repatriation—is it not the case that these compassionate repatriations are over and above the 15,000 a month ordinary repatriations? Can my hon. Friend enlighten us?

Mr. Mayhew

I am afraid that I should need notice of that question.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

Would my hon. Friend consider altering the machinery so that applications made direct by prisoners of war in this country could be considered without using the present set-up in Germany for the purpose?

Mr. Mayhew

We have recently reformed the set-up, but I will certainly bear that suggestion in mind.

66. Mr. Martin

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, in view of the urgent need to secure the moral as well as the economic restoration of Europe, he will take measures to advance the final date for the repatriation of prisoners of war in British hands.

Mr. Mayhew

The rate of repatriation of German prisoners of war in British hands has to be determined in relation to the essential work being carried out by prisoners of war both in the United Kingdom and the Middle East, the availability of transport, and not least the capacity of Germany to absorb returning prisoners of war without dislocation. His Majesty's Government would be very glad to in crease the rate of repatriation it these three factors permitted it, but this has not hitherto been the case. The question is continually under review.

Mr. Paget

Is it not a fact that the rate of entry of Baltic displaced persons has had to be decreased because they cannot be put into employment quickly enough, and could not the rate of repatriation of Germans be accelerated to allow the Baits to be released?

Mr. Mayhew

I do not know about the particular reference to Baltic displaced persons but certainly that is a factor which is being borne in mind.

Mr. Walter Fletcher

Will the hon. Gentleman take care that no pressure is brought to bear on Germans who have to return to the Russian controlled zone and are very reluctant to do so?

Mr. Ronald Chamberlain

Is not the rate of repatriation from the Middle East very much behind schedule, and is something being done to bring it up to its proper rate?

Mr. Mayhew

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put that question down.

Mr. Pickthorn

May I ask whether the Foreign Secretary has yet considered dropping the first of the three factors referred to by the Under-Secretary? Is it not high time that that factor was dropped out of the calculations? May we have an answer to that?

Mr. Mayhew

That raises a big principle, but I can say that we have not dropped that factor yet.

Mr. Driberg

With regard to the last factor, the capacity to absorb these prisoners in Germany, is it not the case that the Control Commission authorities believe that double the present number per month could be absorbed?

Mr. Mayhew

We are making inquiries on that point at the moment.