HC Deb 20 January 1948 vol 446 c24
37. Mr. Douglas Marshall

asked the Secretary of State for War what is the exact number of German prisoners of war in Egypt at the moment.

Mr. Shinwell

At 3rst December, 50,158.

Mr. Marshall

Can the right hon. Gentleman indicate any date when these prisoners will be repatriated?

Mr. Shinwell

We are hoping to complete the task some time at the back end of the year.

Mr. Skeffington-Lodge

Will these prisoners be given the same opportunity voluntarily to remain in Allied hands as alien civilian workers, as are the prisoners in this country?

Mr. Shinwell

The point is interesting, but it was not contained in the Question.

Colonel Ropner

Will the right hon. Gentleman state whether there is any scheme of repatriation, and is it being kept up to date?

Mr. Shinwell

What we are doing is based on a scheme.