§ 25. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that about twenty German prisoners, who escaped while in the Middle East in July, 1947, and were recaptured and transferred to Britain, were punished by the postponement of their repatriation and the forfeiture of all the money credited to them on account of work done before their escape; and if he will now, bearing in mind that postponement of repatriation is itself a substantial punishment, consider restoring their former credits to such of these men as have worked and conducted themselves well since their recapture.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe credits of these prisoners of war have not in fact been forfeited. There was some delay in their accounts being received from the Middle East, but steps are being taken to enter the appropriate credits in their accounts in this country.
§ Mr. DribergIf any of them should already have been repatriated before these steps are completed, would my right hon. Friend say that he will be good enough to make sure that the credits are forwarded to them in some way?
§ Mr. ShinwellThat sounds a little hypothetical to me, but I will take note of it.
§ Mr. DribergIt is not hypothetical; it is factual.
§ Mr. KeelingIs the Secretary of State aware than even delay in crediting an escaper with the money to which he is entitled is contrary to the Geneva Convention?
§ Mr. ShinwellDelay was caused by the acts of the men themselves.