HC Deb 18 March 1947 vol 435 cc184-6
29. Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now grant Italian co-operator status to all German prisoners of war.

44. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for War, in view of the large number of German prisoners of war who will remain in this country this year, whether he is satisfied with the quantity and quality of food provided for them, the amenities of their camps and the small payments made and what further action is to be taken to extend them humane treatment.

Mr. Bellenger

I will, with permission, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Stokes

As we do not know what that statement is, may I ask my right hon. Friend if he will give an assurance that he will improve the conditions under which these people are detained if he insists on continuing this disgraceful act and continuing their detention?

Mr. Bellenger

I think my hon. Friend does know something of what is in the answer, because I have already made announcements in this House, but I would urge him to read it if he has time.

Following is the statement:

Prisoners of war receive the same quantities of nationally rationed items as the British public. Their total ration is that considered necessary and sufficient for the type of work they are doing. Their food is of the same quality as that provided for the British Army. Officer prisoners of war receive the German rates of pay appropriate to their rank. Other ranks receive working pay for all the hours they work and bonus for good work. I am satisfied that the pay of German prisoners of war is appropriate to their status.

It will be remembered that in December, 1946, certain relaxation of the restrictions on prisoners of war were allowed as an experimental measure. The results of the experiment having been favourable I have decided to introduce the following further relaxations:

The patches on prisoners' clothing and distinctive lettering will gradually disappear as chocolate dyed battledress becomes available for them. This battledress will have no marks on it and those prisoners who have it can take it into wear at once.

General Officers Commanding Home Commands will be given authority to extend the five-mile radius limit hitherto imposed on prisoners leaving their camps. This extension will only be granted in certain camps to enable prisoners to reach a special amenity, such as a town, otherwise out of bounds. Authority may also be given for individual prisoners, of exemplary character, to proceed to an area outside the normal limit.

Prisoners will be allowed to enter private houses on invitation without having first to obtain their Camp Commandant's approval, subject to the Commandants having the right to put a particular house or district out of bounds.

Though prisoners will not be allowed to compete with the public in queues for limited accommodation at football matches they will be allowed to attend football or other games in organised parties at the invitation of the management or local authority.

Prisoners-of-war bands will be allowed to entertain their friends in return for hospitality where it is possible for a hut or hall outside the Camp to be used. Payment for admission will not be permitted, and incidental costs must be paid for by the prisoner-of-war hosts.

Prisoners of war will be allowed to take part in educational activities outside camps after approval by the Control Office for Germany and Austria and under arrangements made by that Department.

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