§ 56. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what has been the cost so far to the British taxpayer of the incarceration at Spandau of Germans convicted at Nuremberg in 1947; which have been released, when, and on what grounds; which remain in prison; when the latter's future was last discussed by the four Powers concerned, and with what result; and what consideration was given to their release or confinement elsewhere.
§ The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Mrs. Eirene White)The total cost to Her Majesty's Government to date of maintaining Spandau prison has been about £147,000. Details of prisoners already released will be circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The remaining prisoners are Speer and von Schirach, due to be released on 1st October on completion of their sentence, and Hess, who was sentenced to life imprisonment. The release of these three has been the subject of exchanges in the past among the four Powers concerned, but it was not possible to reach agreement.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonBut is not the expense out of all proportion? Do the four Powers intend to review the sentence of Hess, or do they intend to keep this 1235 rigmarole going for one prisoner only who might well be confined somewhere else?
§ Mrs. WhiteThe hon. Gentleman will be aware that the German authorities now bear the main cost of this prison. The future of Hess is a matter for determination by the four Powers.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs it not remarkable that any hon. Member opposite or elsewhere should ask for the release of these rascals and yet wish to keep train robbers in prison for 30 years?
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonOn a point of Order. I asked for no such thing.
§ The following are the details:
§ Von Neurath and Raeder were released on 6th October, 1954, and 26th September, 1955, respectively on grounds of age and ill health; Doenitz on 1st October, 1956, on completion of his sentence, and Funk on 16th May, 1957, because of ill health.