HC Deb 26 March 1947 vol 435 c1227
31. Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster the number of those held in camps in the British zone awaiting trial; and why it is that many have remained in this state for nearly two years.

Mr. J. Hynd

18,900 persons are awaiting trial as members of criminal organisations convicted at Nuremberg. These trials could not begin till the Nuremberg verdict was known, and it is planned that they shall be completed by the end of 1947. In addition, there are about 1,500 persons held in civil internment camps, whose cases are being investigated for suspected individual war crimes either against ourselves or our Allies. Their cases are being dealt with with all possible expedition with a view to their early disposal.

Mr. Stokes

Can my hon. Friend tell us how many tribunals have been set up to try these cases?

Mr. Hynd

To try the bulk of the 18,900 Nuremberg cases we anticipate that 100 tribunals will be sufficient to complete the work.