HL Deb 25 October 1944 vol 133 cc711-2
LORD SOUTHWOOD

My Lords, on behalf of my noble friend Lord Strabolgi, I beg to ask the question standing on the Paper in his name.

[The question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they can state the approximate percentage of the Italian prisoners of war in this country who have volunteered to co-operate in the Allied cause; whether these men are employed on work of national importance; and whether, generally speaking, they have given, and are giving, satisfactory service.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (LORD CROFT)

My Lords, approximately 70 per cent. of Italian prisoners of war in this country have volunteered to co-operate in the Allied cause, and are employed on work of national importance. They have given most satisfactory service up to the present time.