HC Deb 26 July 1949 vol 467 cc2228-30
24. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a further statement on the payment of German ex-prisoners of war, remaining in this country as civilians, for work done during their captivity; and approximately what sum is owing to them, expressed in sterling.

Mr. Shinwell

The Geneva Convention provides that any balance which remains to the credit of a prisoner of war on the termination of his captivity shall be remitted to him, but it does not specify in what manner this shall be done. Under the terms of reciprocal agreements between the British and German Governments, the liability for the payment of these balances rests with the German authorities as a charge against the German economy, and there is no arrangement at present whereby these mark credits can be converted into sterling. I am not aware of the number of ex-German prisoners of war who have failed to draw their balances in marks in Germany and I cannot therefore state the total sum involved.

Mr. Driberg

Is it not rather an absurd situation that these men, many of whom are probably staying here permanently or semi-permanently, will never be able to draw the pay to which they are entitled for work they did in agriculture in this country; and cannot my right hon. Friend persuade the Treasury, by whom this question has been exchanged with his Department again and again, to treat this matter in a commonsense way?

Mr. Shinwell

Of course, so far as we are concerned we have honoured all our agreements, and we cannot be expected to go further than that. If we were to impose some conditions on the German economy the ultimate result would be that the taxpayer of this country would have to foot the bill.

Mr. Spence

Could the right hon. Gentleman make some arrangement in cases where the men are going to remain permanently in this country; and is he aware of a case about which I have written to him?

Mr. Shinwell

I am not aware of the case the hon. Gentleman has sent to the War Office, but I will look into it. As regards the general position, we cannot provide general remittance facilities, for the reasons I have advanced.

Mr. Paget

Would the right hon. Gentleman say with what German Government this agreement was made?

Mr. Shinwell

Whichever German Government exercise authority in this matter.

Mr. Paget

Well, what is it?

Mr. Shinwell

If my hon. and learned Friend wishes information about the precise form of the German Government, I venture to suggest that he should address the question to the Foreign Office.

Mr. Paget

Is it not the Control Commission?

Mr. Shinwell

If it is the Control Commission, it has nothing to do with my office.

Captain Crookshank

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any estimate of the amount of money involved? Is it a very trifling sum or a large sum?

Mr. Shinwell

The right hon. and gallant Gentleman cannot have heard that part of my answer when I said: I cannot therefore state the total sum involved.

Mr. Driberg

I give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment, if possible tomorrow morning, or on Monday or Tuesday, or whenever possible.