§ Mr. P. Freemanasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Austrian prisoners of war in this country have not been allowed to see their relatives for over a year; that they are not allowed to see Austrian newspapers and are still kept in isolation; that no postal services are available and no repatriation from England has been started; and whether he will take steps to improve these and similar matters.
§ Mr. LawsonNear relatives resident in this country, have been allowed to visit Austrian prisoners since May, 1945. Every attempt is made to provide Military Government newspapers published in Austria but owing to the shortage of paper and other difficulties the supply is very limited. As regards the latter part of the Question I would refer my hon. Friend to the answers given to the hon. Members for Stafford (Captain Swingler), Romford (Mr. T. Macpherson) and Wavertree (Mr. Raikes) on 13th November.
§ Mr. Elwyn Jonesasked the Secretary of State for War whether facilities will be made available for Austrian prisoners of war in Great Britain to receive Austrian anti-Nazi publications.
§ Mr. LawsonIf my hon. Friend will send me particulars of any publications he has in mind, I will arrange for them to be examined.
§ Mr. Elwyn Jonesasked the Secretary of State for War when is it proposed to repatriate Austrian prisoners of war who are proved to be anti-Nazi.
§ Mr. LawsonI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Stafford (Captain Swingler) on 13th November.