HC Deb 03 June 1947 vol 438 cc16-7
16. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for War if, in view of the fact that reasonable social intercourse between British civilians and German prisoners of war is now permitted he will state his attitude to the marriage of British women and German prisoners.

Mr. Bellenger

My hon. Friend will appreciate that this matter requires careful consideration and at the moment I have nothing to add to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary on 15th May to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr. Renton).

Mr. Driberg

While appreciating my right hon. Friend's difficulties, might I ask him what action he has taken in relation to the particular case of the marriage which occurred recently?

Mr. Bellenger

I believe that the matter is sub judice at the present moment, and therefore it would be improper for me now to give a reply.

Mr. Driberg

With respect, is it not only a particular point that is sub judice, that is to say, the alleged false entries in the register? What is my right hon. Friend's attitude to the general question of the marriage?

Mr. Bellenger

As to that particular marriage I cannot say any more than I have said in answer to the general question, namely, that the whole principle is under consideration.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Arising out of the original reply, is it not unreasonable to allow this social intercourse and rule out the probable consequences of it? Would it not be reasonable to allow both?

Mr. Bellenger

I do not know that I would agree that all those associations end in wedlock.

Mr. Stokes

Is not my right hon. Friend the last person in the world to obstruct the course of nature in this matter? Does he not realise that he cannot resist the inevitable course of nature?

Mr. Bellenger

I have never attempted to resist the inevitable course of nature.

Mr. Ronald Chamberlain

If there are difficulties about British women marrying German prisoners in this country, will he try to make facilities for British women to go out to Germany to marry returned prisoners of war? I have the case of a constituent who wishes to do this now. May I have an answer?

Mr. Bellenger

I think that is an entirely different point from the one raised in the Question.