§ 85. Mr. Dribergasked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements have now been made with the German authorities in the varous occupation zones to enable former prisoners of war now settled in this country to cash, without returning to Germany, the credit-notes held by them in payment for work done while they were prisoners.
Mr. HutchisonUnder the reciprocal agreement between the British and German Governments, the responsibility for paying the credit balances of former German prisoners of war rests with the German authorities.
A former prisoner of war who has stayed on in this country after release from captivity may cash a credit note by transfer to a nominated person or to a bank in the German Federal Republic. If he has no banking account he may ask for a blocked account to be opened.
The transfer out of the Federal Republic of Germany of funds obtained is a matter for the German exchange control authorities and, I understand, they may allow it on grounds of hardship. Application for such a transfer should be made to the bank in which the account is established, stating in full the reasons for the application. If the hon. Member wishes it, I will arrange for a memorandum giving fuller details to be sent to him.