§ Mr. Blackburnasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an assurance that it is not his intention to repatriate, against their will, German ex-prisoners of war who have applied to continue agricultural work, provided that the conduct of such ex-prisoners is satisfactory.
§ Mr. MayhewI have been asked to reply. The possibility that German ex-prisoners of war may be required in agriculture after the end of 1948 is at present being examined by the Departments concerned. They consider that it is too early yet to assess with any precision their manpower requirements after the end of this year or the extent to which they can meet these requirements by offering employment to displaced persons, to whom, 39W I feel sure my hon. Friend will agree, we have greater obligations. German ex-prisoners of war will, unless offered a continuation of their employment beyond the end of 1948, be repatriated in the normal way.