§ 6. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Secretary of State for War whether he 2012 will arrange for those prisoners of war in the Middle East who have experience in agriculture and who wish to volunteer for work in Britain on the same basis as their fellow prisoners already in this country to do this as their turn for repatriation comes round.
§ Mr. J. FreemanNo, Sir. I do not consider this would be practicable.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeIs my hon. Friend not aware that it is unfair for prisoners of war in the Middle East to be denied the same facilities for staying here to work in agriculture as are accorded these prisoners who are among us here?
§ Mr. FreemanIt is not solely a question of those who wish to remain here, but of suitability. In the case of prisoners in this country, the farmers with whom they are billeted apply for their retention. That would obviously not be practicable in the Middle East.