asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether S.S. German prisoners of war now in this country are liable to be charged for wartime offences on their repatriation to their own country; and whether he can give an assurance that the time they have spent in this country will be considered in all cases of imprisonment sentences for war crimes.

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." The question of consideration for time already spent as a prisoner of war is entirely one for the court determining sentence.

Would it not be possible to have some of these prisoners of war tried now whilst they are still in prison in this country, so that the whole business may be settled?

With the exception of a very few senior officers, all have now been returned to Germany for trial.

What about the remainder who, I assume, are liable to be charged?

I have no doubt they will be dealt with quite promptly.