§ 122. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for War if he will ascertain the total number of German prisoners of war now in camps under British control as compared with six months ago; into what categories prisoners are separated and the approximate number in each; how often reports are received respecting the morale of these prisoners; and if he will give the general conclusions of the latest report.
§ Mr. LawsonThe number of prisoners held under British control on 31st Decem- 343W ber, 1945, were 490,862, and on 30th June, 1946, 515,918. I assume my hon. Friend is referring to political categories; these are: "White," democratic and actively anti-Nazi; "Grey," no definite political convictions; "Black," Nazi. The latest screenings are:
White … … 25,512 Grey … … 211,947 Black … … 61,288 Unscreened … … 217,171 515,918 Reports on the morale of prisoners are received monthly as regards prisoners of war held in the United Kingdom and Middle East who constitute 94 per cent. of the total holding; reports on the remainder are received from time to time. The most recent reports indicate that morale, which had improved with the increased arrival of mail from Germany, has recently shown some decline due to various causes.