Relaxation of Restrictions

HC Deb 24 June 1947 vol 439 cc184-6

24. Mr. Dodds-Parker

asked the Secretary of State for War why permission to visit civilian cinemas is not given to German prisoners of war on the same conditions as given to Italians.

41. Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to make a statement regarding the further relaxation of restrictions on German prisoners of war.

43. Mr. Thurtle

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will make a further statement about the conditions which apply to prisoners of war in this country.

The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Bellenger)

I will, with permission, circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a statement in answer to this Question and Questions 41 and 43.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether one of the facts is that he is afraid these prisoners of war might see certain Government propaganda films which would remind them very strongly of what they used to be taught at home?

Mr. Bellenger

I would urge the hon. Member to read my answer, and then I believe he will be satisfied.

Mr. Skeffington-I.odge

Has the right hon. Gentleman taken into account the number of prisoners of war still held in the Middle East in connection with any relaxation of restrictions on prisoners generally.

Mr. Bellenger

Yes, Sir; I have taken that into account, but in my answer I am saying what I am doing mainly in connection with those at home here, which are by far the larger number.

Mr. Martin Lindsay

While we await the OFFICIAL REPORT, will the right hon. Gentleman indicate whether his reply contains anything to suggest that he will make conditions easier and more pleasant for prisoners in this country in order that the maximum number possible will stay on to work here?

Mr. Bellenger

I hope my answer will give that impression among the prisoners of war.

Mr. Stokes

Can my right hon. Friend at least assure us that his reply will indicate that the relaxations will go at least as far as the relaxations in the case of the Italian prisoners of war?

Mr. Bellenger

In so far as it includes access to shops, cinemas, restaurants, and public transport, I think it will.

Following is the statement:

It has been decided that German prisoners of war in this country, other than those classified as ardent Nazis, whose output of work is satisfactory shall be allowed to draw part of their pay in sterling and to use shops, cinemas, restaurants and public transport within five miles of their camp, but not to use licensed premises. These arrangements will come into force about the middle of July. They are intended as incentives to good work and will be subject to review in the light of experience.

At present, prisoners of war receive their working pay in the form of token money which can be spent only in the camp canteens. In addition, a prisoner whose output is good earns a bonus equal to his pay. A further bonus of 3s. a week is credited to prisoners who are habitually good workers. These bonuses are not available for spending in this country, but are credited to the prisoner's account, and may be used for remittances to Germany, or paid in marks in Germany on repatriation. A prisoner employed on skilled work who works 48 hours a week is thus able to earn 6s. token money and 9s. bonus credit

Under the new arrangements, all prisoners who work at least 40 hours a week and qualify for the additional bonuses will receive 3s. of the bonuses in token money instead of as a credit, and prisoners who work more than 48 hours a week will receive the bonus for the additional hours in token money instead of as a credit. Prisoners of war who work satisfactorily will be allowed to exchange a part, generally 50 per cent., of their token money into sterling. The effect of these changes will be that a skilled prisoner of war, who works 48 hours a week and whose output is satisfactory, will draw 9S. in token money and 6s. bonus credit instead of 6s. token money and 9s. bonus credit. Half of the 9s. token money may be converted to sterling. Prisoners who work 40 hours a week will draw 8s. token money and 5s. bonus credit instead of 5s. token money and 8s. bonus credit. Half of the 8s. token money may be converted to sterling. It will be appreciated, however, that a restriction will be necessary on the total amount of sterling which a prisoner may have in his possession at any time.

Arrangements of a similar kind will be applied to officers and protected personnel who work satisfactorily: and also to prisoners employed in the domestic work of the camps, so far as the camp welfare funds from which they receive their pay permit.