§ 43. Mr. Lipsonasked the Secretary of State for War what was the total expense, including payment for work done, of German prisoners of war in this country for the last recorded period; and what was the income received from those who employed them.
§ Mr. ShinwellI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 10th June last.
§ Mr. LipsonCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether, on balance, there is a financial profit or loss to the Exchequer?
§ Mr. ShinwellIt is not easy to strike a balance sheet in this matter. While it would appear, superficially, that the War Office gains a profit, I am not quite certain that it is actually a profit, because the surplus is required for certain purposes.
§ Mr. LipsonIf there is any profit, ought it not to be used to increase the allowances made to German prisoners of war?
§ Mr. ShinwellThis question of an increase in the pay and emoluments of the prisoners of war is constantly under review, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement.
§ Captain CrookshankHow can the figures given in June be relevant today, in view of the thousands of prisoners who have been sent home since that date?
§ Mr. ShinwellThe statement made by my predecessor on 10th June applies to the last recorded impression of the position.
§ Captain CrookshankHas not there been any record since?
§ Mr. StokesIs it not the fact that my right hon. Friend's predecessor told the House that the cost of keeping these men was 23s. a week. As they get only 9s. a week, does that not leave a balance of £3, which goes to the Exchequer?
§ Mr. ShinwellIt cannot fall entirely into the pockets of the Exchequer, because a proportion has to be used for certain purposes, the maintenance of hostels, and so on.