§ 29. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Secretary of State for War for what reasons some hundreds of prisoners of war, formerly enrolled in the Waffen S.S. or who are ex-parachutists, are being held beyond their normal repatriation date.
§ Mr. ShinwellPrisoners of war who are to be tried as members of criminal organisations, or who are to be interned as security suspects, have been specially detained both in the United Kingdom and Middle East; a number of these belonged to the Waffen S.S., and no doubt some are ex-parachutists.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeCan the Minister tell me whether there are real political reasons for retaining these men beyond their repatriation date? Will he also take into account the fact that in some cases their war service records appear to be the deciding factor in the matter?
§ Mr. ShinwellI do not know about political reasons, but I understand that the reasons are substantial.