§ 20. Commander Maitlandasked the Secretary of State for War what steps he is taking to reduce the number of German prisoners in this country who are regarded as frozen men; and what steps are taken to inform prisoners of war of the offence or reason for which they are frozen and to inform them of the name of the country which requires their detention.
§ Mr. ShinwellUnder revised rules which came into force yesterday the number of prisoners of war detained in this country beyond the date on which they would normally become eligible for repatriation will be reduced from approximately 2,500 to approximately 700. All of these men will be informed of the reason for their detention and, where applicable, of the country on whose behalf they are detained.
§ Commander MaitlandDoes not the right hon. Gentleman consider that it was entirely contrary to our English sense of justice that these men were not previously informed why they were being kept in this 1489 country, and will he see in future that men who are kept behind, or frozen, are informed of the reasons they are detained?
§ Mr. ShinwellI have answered that question in my original reply.