HC Deb 16 March 1948 vol 448 c1869
40. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will institute an inquiry in all the remaining prisoner of war camps to ascertain the number of prisoners still held in this country who are now without homes in Germany, or who cannot return to what was once their home, for political reasons.

Mr. Shinwell

All prisoners of war held in the United Kingdom are members of the former Wehrmacht and must, under a Control Council directive, be returned to Germany, except those who claim non-German nationality and are accepted by the country concerned. In these circumstances, I do not propose to institute an inquiry as suggested by my hon. Friend, as no use could be made of the information when obtained.

Mr. Stokes

That may very well be in my right hon. Friend's mind, but is he aware that a number of these people have no homes now, and do not want to go back to the Eastern zone? If he will not make an inquiry, will he at least give an assurance that no one will be sent to the Eastern zone who does not want to go?

Mr. Shinwell

I will look into that.

Mr. Stokes

Will my right hon. Friend look into it promptly?

Mr. Shinwell

I always look into things promptly.