HL Deb 09 October 1946 vol 143 cc141-2WA
THE LORD BISHOP OF SHEFFIELD

asked His Majesty's Government, how many German prisoners of war are still being held in North Africa and the Middle East and what arrangements are being made for their repatriation.

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (LORD PAKENHAM)

There are at present about 98,000 German and 5,000 Austrian prisoners of war detained in the Middle East Command, of whom 2,000 anti-Nazi Germans and all the Austrians are to be repatriated as shipping becomes available. It has not yet been found possible to bring the Middle East within the scope of the scheme decided upon for the United Kingdom but an accelerated programme on the lines of that authorized for the United Kingdom will be introduced as soon as circumstances permit.

The House adjourned at five minutes before seven o'clock.