HC Deb 15 March 1950 vol 472 cc1076-7
37. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware that German ex-prisoners of war cannot draw pay for work done during their imprisonment unless they return to Germany or have proxies there to draw it on their behalf, and that hardship is thus caused, especially to men married and settled here who have no relatives surviving in Germany; and if he will discuss with the German authorities the possibility of making an arrangement by which these relatively small but long-standing debts can be discharged here in sterling.

Mr. Bevin

I am aware of this problem, and I shall be glad to consider my hon. Friend's suggestion as soon as the negotiations for a new payments agreement between this country and Germany have been concluded.

Mr. Driberg

While thanking my right hon. Friend very warmly for the most encouraging reply that I have yet had on this question, which has been raised repeatedly during the last few years, may I ask him if he can give any indication of approximately how long that is likely to be?

Mr. Bevin

I am neither a prophet nor a son of a prophet, and I hate to give dates that I cannot keep.