HC Deb 13 July 1948 vol 453 cc1007-8
43. Mr. Beswick

asked the Minister of Labour how many Ukrainian prisoners of war remain in this country; what they are now doing; and what plans are there for their future disposal.

Mr. Isaacs

I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War that 8,397 Ukrainian prisoners of war are still in this country. They are mainly employed on agricultural work. The answer to the last part of the Question is that this matter is still under consideration.

Mr. Beswick

May I ask exactly what my right hon. Friend means when he says that he understands from the Secretary of State for War? Is not my right hon. Friend responsible for these men and, if so, can he say by what date his Department intends to make a decision as to their future?

Mr. Isaacs

The answer to the first part of the supplementary question is in the negative; I am not responsible for them.

Mr. Driberg

In that case, can my right hon. Friend say why the Question was not transferred to the Secretary of State for War?

Mr. Isaacs

That is not a question for me to answer.

Mr. Beswick

Is the Minister aware that this Question was first put down to the Secretary of State for War, who passed it on to my right hon. Friend?

Mr. Driberg

Can we not have a further explanation from my right hon. Friend of his degree of responsibility?