HC Deb 03 February 1948 vol 446 cc1630-1
39. Mr. Douglas Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will announce the details of the scheme for repatriation of German prisoners of war from Egypt.

Mr. Shinwell

I am not yet able to acid to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes) on 20th January, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.

Mr. Marshall

But is the Minister aware that on that date he answered me, and mentioned this scheme? I am asking him whether he can declare the details of that scheme at this moment.

Mr. Shinwell

As I indicated in previous replies, this is a very difficult problem. We have to consider it in the context of shipping and other difficulties but we are hoping to complete the re- patriation at an earlier date than was anticipated originally, probably some time this year.

Mr. Thornton-Kemsley

Does not the Minister agree that on the date to which he has referred, he said that the prisoners of war were being brought back in accordance with a scheme, and is he not able, if there is a scheme, to tell the House what it is?

Mr. Shinwell

That is what I have done already on several occasions.