HC Deb 26 February 1947 vol 433 cc2042-3
4. Mr. Vane

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will arrange that when prisoners of war are interrogated by P.I.D. with a view to assessing their political grade, a British officer of the camp staff will also be present and share the responsibility for the finding.

Mr. J. Hynd

By arrangement with the War Office, where suitable interpreter officers or N.C.O.s of the British camp staff are available, they already share directly in the process of screening. At appeals against grading, prisoners of war have the right to request the presence of a member of the British staff.

Mr. Vane

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the present system is to have short, two-minute interviews by visiting staffs, who, in the main, do not know anything of the character and background of the men, and that there is little confidence in them? Is he further aware that, in the opinion of many commanding officers, these visiting staffs, of whom too many are emigre Germans, are highly prejudiced and quite unsuitable for the job?

Mr. Hynd

I am not aware of the two-minute interviews to which the hon. Member has referred. If he will let me have particulars, we will check up. The interviews are carried out by people fitted for the job. Full information is given to the Germans to the effect that they can be accompanied by a member of the staff.

Mr. Stokes

When people appeal against their categories, will the hon. Gentleman take steps to see that their appeals are heard in a reasonable time, and that they are not left languishing in prison?

Mr. Hynd

Certainly.

Major Legge-Bourke

Are there any steps taken to ensure that the politics of these examiners are non-totalitarian?

Mr. Hynd

I am afraid I do not think it would be necessary to take any further steps than are already taken to that end.