HC Deb 09 December 1947 vol 445 cc171-2W
94. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of German prisoners of war engaged on the various hydro-electric projects; and their wage rates per hour.

Mr. Woodburn

At 5th December, 405 German prisoners of war were employed on hydro-electric schemes in Scotland. It is intended to increase this number to about 700 in the near future. The pay of the men is a matter for my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for War, but I understand that German prisoners of war are paid for all the hours they work at their normal rates of 1½d. per hour for skilled work and ¾d. for unskilled, with bonuses for good work.