§ 38. Mr. Sharpasked the Secretary of State for War why it is proposed to return to Germany 656597 Heinz Beenen, a single man and a skilled farmer, now at P.O.W. Camp, Weston-Sub-Edge, Gloucestershire; for how many days since 1st November has this man been working as a farmer; and why his skill has not been properly utilised; and whether, in view of Beenen's wish to remain in the United Kingdom, preferably in the West Riding of Yorkshire, as a civilian farm worker, he will arrange for action to be taken to this end.
§ Mr. M. StewartThis man has been employed in accordance with requirements for labour, including nine days on farm work since 1st November. No application has been received from him under the scheme of release to civilian status for agricultural work, and he must now be repatriated in his turn in a few weeks' time.
§ Mr. SharpIn view of the fact that this man applied to remain here as a civilian farm worker in September, 1946, and a joint agreement between himself and his farmer was sent to the labour officer of the prisoner of war camp, Butcher's Hill, Leeds, in that month, will my hon. Friend consider this matter further, and in the meantime will he consider deferring the date of this man's repatriation?
§ Mr. StewartMy information conflicts with that of my hon. Friend, and I shall be very glad to look into it.
§ Mr. StewartCertainly, until the matter is looked into.