§ 5. Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will arrange for the completion of repatriation from the Middle East of prisoners of war by the same date as repatriation of prisoners of war from this country, namely, 31st August, 1948.
§ Mr. ShinwellThis suggestion is being considered, but I am not yet in a position to give any indication whether it will be practicable.
§ Mr. StokesWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that many of these men were captured long before the majority of the men detained in this country, and will he also give an assurance that the evacuation from Palestine will not lead to further delay in repatriation from the Middle East?
§ Mr. ShinwellI should like to see the question about Palestine on the Order Paper.
§ Mr. SorensenHave these prisoners of war in the Middle East the same amenities and facilities as are enjoyed by their fellow prisoners in this country?
§ Mr. ShinwellI am not aware that they are without amenities.
§ 33. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for War if he will cause German prisoners of war in this country to be informed what groups will be repatriated by Christmas; and what is the average monthly number of these prisoners who are repatriated on compassionate and other grounds outside their repatriation group.
§ Mr. ShinwellAll prisoners of war were informed in November of the estimated repatriation dates of each group up till May, 1948. The average number repatriated monthly outside their groups for the last three months has been approximately 4,800.
§ Mr. SorensenIs that number increasing on the average?
§ Mr. ShinwellYes, Sir. As I indicated in my previous reply, there is some increase.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeDoes that number include men repatriated from the Middle East on compassionate grounds?
§ Mr. ShinwellSo far as I can see, this Question does not apply to the Middle East.