HC Deb 13 November 1945 vol 415 cc2062-3W
Mr. T. Macpherson

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the arrangements for German and Austrian prisoners of war in this country sending and receiving correspondence with their relatives or friends in Germany or Austria.

Mr. Wilson Harris

asked the Secretary of State for War what facilities Austrian prisoners of war in this country enjoy for communicating with, and receiving news from, their own country.

Mr. Lawson

Limited postal facilities are now available for German prisoners of war and their relatives in the British, American and French zones of Germany, and for Austrian prisoners and their relatives in the British zone in Austria. Every effort is being made to expand the facilities.

Mr. Raikes

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will terminate the practice of prior reservation of seating accommodation for German prisoners of war on British railways at the expense of the travelling public.

Mr. Lawson

The practice has already ceased except for parties of 20 men or more, where it is necessary for the exercise of proper control and in the interests of the general public. An exception is made in the case of certain German officers of very high rank, where special precautions are necessary.

Captain Swingler

asked the Secretary of State for War how many prisoners of Austrian nationality are now in British prisoner-of-war camps; and what steps are being taken to repatriate all or some of these prisoners.

Mr. Lawson

Fifty-eight thousand six hundred Austrian ex-members of the German armed forces are still held under British control, including 15, 300 in the United Kingdom. Repatriation has been completed of all Austrians formerly held in the Central Mediterranean area and of all Austrians domiciled in the British zone of Austria who were held by B.A.O.R. Administrative arrangements for the repatriation of all other Austrians of suitable political character are now being discussed, and will be put into force as soon as satisfactory arrangements for their transportation and acceptance in Austria can be made.