HC Deb 12 July 1948 vol 453 cc839-40
56. Mrs. Leah Manning

asked the Minister of Agriculture what arrangements are made for civilianised German prisoners of war to have holidays or compassionate leave, to visit relatives in Germany.

Mr. T. Williams

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to a Question on 12th April.

Mrs. Manning

In view of the fact that the prisoner of war about whose circumstances I have written to my right hon. Friend has been in this country for seven years, and of the further fact that his father is now dying in Germany, may I ask whether there is any way in which my right hon. Friend can get leave for this man?

Mr. Williams

Any individual cases that may be brought to our notice could of course be dealt with separately, if there are special circumstances. With regard to compassionate leave, I doubt whether that would be possible during the course of this year.

Mr. Henry Strauss

Are civilianised persons what used to be called civilians?

Mr. Driberg

In view of my right hon. Friend's last supplementary reply, will he say whether this matter will be reconsidered if it is decided that these men are to stay on here after the end of this year?

Mr. Williams

Perhaps the hon. Lady who put the original Question will have a word with me later.

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