HC Deb 15 October 1945 vol 414 c702W
Major Legge-Bourke

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can give any indication of the length of time prisoners of war will be available for agricultural purposes; and what steps he is taking to prepare for the replacement of such labour.

Mr. Williams

As has already been announced, it has been decided that repatriation of Italian prisoners in this country shall begin when the harvest is completed, but I hope that it will be possible to replace those employed in agriculture by Germans. I cannot at present indicate how long German prisoners will be available for agricultural purposes or what steps will be taken to replace them if and when it becomes necessary.