HC Deb 29 October 1919 vol 120 c694W
Sir JAMES REMNANT

asked the Secretary of State for War how many German prisoners of war are at present being maintained in this country; and if there is any reason why they should not all be immediately repatriated and the cost of guarding them saved?

Mr. FORSTER

There are at present 46,403 German combatant prisoners of war in this country. They are being repatriated as fast as transport facilities will permit.

Mr. A. SHORT

asked the Minister of Labour whether German prisoners of war are still employed in this country; and, if so, how many?

Mr. CHURCHILL

There are at present 3,212 German combatant prisoners of war employed in this country. They are engaged chiefly on agriculture, dismantling camps, filling-in trenches, and as military working parties. They will be withdrawn during the course of the next few days, as they will be repatriated.