§ Mr. Wedgwoodasked the Secretary of State for War what he proposes to do with the Italian prisoners; what is the estimated cost of maintaining them per annum; will he consider setting them free on the island of Rhodes; and does he propose to make any distinction between the regular Italian army and the Blackshirt divisions?
§ Captain MargessonA considerable number of Italian prisoners of war is being sent to India. The disposal of the remainder is not yet settled, but it is in contemplation to bring a number to this country for agricultural work, and possibly for other work where there is a shortage of British labour. I cannot yet give any figure for the cost of maintenance. A suggestion to set these prisoners free on the island of Rhodes has already been considered and rejected as impracticable. The accommodation of Regular and Black-shirt prisoners in separate camps is under consideration.
§ Mr. Butcherasked the Secretary of State for War the number of Italians taken prisoner by British Forces in North Africa to the last convenient date?
§ Captain MargessonIt was reported on 20th January that about 80,000 prisoners, including 66,000 Europeans, had been taken. These figures include 3,284 officers. It is estimated that over 25,000 have since been taken at Tobruk.