§ 2. Air-Commodore Harveyasked the Secretary of State for War how many soldiers have deserted in Germany and Austria since VE Day; and how many are still at large.
§ Mr. ShinwellThree thousand three hundred and nine soldiers have deserted in Germany since VE Day, of whom 320 are still at large. The corresponding figure for Austria is 268, of whom 45 are still at large.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyDoes not the right hon. Gentleman view these figures with some alarm? Will he tell the House what he intends to do about this matter?
§ Mr. ShinwellWe are doing everything possible to trace these men, but, of course, there are great difficulties.
§ Air-Commodore HarveyCan the Minister say what steps are to be taken?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe question which the hon. and gallant Member asked was "How many?" and not, what steps are to be taken?