§ Mr. Kendallasked the Secretary of State for War why Italian prisoners of war now in this country who are recognised as collaborators in the Allied cause are not returned to Italy to fight for the liberation of their own land.
§ Sir J. GriggIt is considered that the war effort of the United Nations is better served by the valuable work performed by these Italians in this country than by their repatriation to fight in Italy, even if shipping could be made available for this purpose.
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§ Sir L. Lyleasked the Secretary of State for War what steps he is taking to use or repatriate the 1,000 coloured Empire soldiers who are prisoners of war at Dax in France.
§ Sir J. GriggThe repatriation of these men is being arranged and I hope their evacuation from Dax will begin this week.
§ Mr. Thorneasked the Secretary of State for War how many Germans have been taken by the Allies since the last return was given.
§ Sir J. GriggBetween the end of July and the middle of September just under 400,000 enemy prisoners were taken by the Allied armies in Italy and Western Europe.
§ Sir S. Reedasked the Secretary of State for War whether the members of the Todt organisation captured in France are treated as combatants or are set to work to restore the damage wrought by enemy action in Normandy and elsewhere in Europe.
§ Sir J. GriggThe members of this para-military organisation are treated, when captured, as prisoners of war under the Geneva Convention, and may be employed on any work permissible under the Convention, including that mentioned by my hon. Friend.