HC Deb 28 May 1946 vol 423 c175W
127. Mr. Cooper-Key

asked the Secretary of State for War for what reasons German prisoners of war are being retained in this country; and whether a plan is under consideration for their repatriation.

Mr. Lawson

His Majesty's Government do not consider that the time has yet come when the great majority of German prisoners of war should be repatriated. In the meantime they are being usefully employed in this country on work of urgent national importance for which British labour is not available. In addition there are a number who are being held because of the probability that they would engage in subversive activities if released in Germany. Prisoners who are unfit for work and anti-Nazis who can be of use in Germany are repatriated at frequent intervals.

137. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for War how many German prisoners of war have been brought into this country from Belgian and U.S. prisoner-of-war camps, respectively.

Mr. Lawson

Up to 25th May, 1946, 110,890 German prisoners of war had been brought to this country from the U.S.A. and 45,953 from Belgium.