HC Deb 19 November 1952 vol 507 c1836
3. Mr. M. Lindsay

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why Köstlin and Horstmann, jailed for life and 15 years, respectively, for taking part in the killing of allied prisoners, have been released.

Mr. Nutting

Köstlin's life sentence was reduced to 10 years in 1949 as the result of a review carried out at that time. As I stated in reply to the hon. Member for Fife, West (Mr. Hamilton) on 12th November, Horstmann's sentence was reduced recently from 15 to 11 years as an act of clemency. Both prisoners were released on expiry of their sentences.

Mr. Lindsay

Is my hon. Friend aware that the reduction in the sentences for these appalling crimes is generally regarded as breaking faith with the dead and is greatly resented by many people in this country.

Mr. Nutting

As my hon. Friend knows, my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary considers each of these cases very carefully on its merits. All war criminals serving sentences can, like any other criminals, earn one-third remission for good conduct, and, in addition, the amount of time spent in pre-trial custody is also reckoned towards the sentences. That is why these sentences have expired and these criminals have been released.

Mr. S. Silverman

Can the hon. Gentleman assure the House that the release of these criminals is in no way to be attributed to any change in the attitude of Her Majesty's Government towards the killing of prisoners of war?

Mr. Nutting

I can certainly give the hon. Gentleman that assurance.