§ 18. Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for War how soon it is expected to increase the rate of repatriation of prisoners of war from the Middle East to a minimum of 5,000 a month; and whether he intends to exceed that rate in the near future.
§ Mr. ShinwellI hope that approximately 8,100 prisoners of war will be repatriated from the Middle East during this month and 7,000 during April. This will give an average of almost 5,000 a month for the period January to April. I do not expect that it will be possible to exceed an average of 5,000 a month until August.
Mr. Amoryasked the Secretary of State for War why the repatriation of German prisoners of war whose homes are in the French zone is being delayed.
§ Mr. ShinwellI presume that the hon. Member is referring to the postponement of repatriation of certain prisoners of war originally earmarked for repatriation on 22nd March. It was necessary to make certain substitutions at a late date but the total repatriated to the French zone was not affected by the change. Arrangements have already been made to repatriate those who had to be omitted. Their repatriation will not fall behind that of other prisoners of war from other zones in similar captivity groups.