German Prisoners of War (Settlement)

Oral Answers to Questions — Agriculture – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 17 July 1952.

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Photo of Sir Ian Fraser Sir Ian Fraser , Morecambe and Lonsdale 12:00, 17 July 1952

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many German prisoners of war applied to stay in this country after 1945; in how many cases was permission given; and on what grounds.

Photo of Sir Hugh Munro-Lucas-Tooth Sir Hugh Munro-Lucas-Tooth , Hendon South

The number of German prisoners of war who applied for permission to remain in this country is not known. About 15,000 applicants for whom there was work in agriculture, and about 650 who could be employed on bomb disposal, were allowed to remain after the end of 1948, when the general repatriation was completed. In addition, from April, 1948, a certain number of prisoners who had married wives of British birth and parentage were allowed to settle here.

Photo of Sir Ian Fraser Sir Ian Fraser , Morecambe and Lonsdale

Is my hon. Friend aware that during the year after the end of the war, in my farming area alone, half a dozen German prisoners asked to stay? The farmers wanted them, the men did not want to go back to Germany and did not like the German way of life, but they were sent back.

Photo of Sir Hugh Munro-Lucas-Tooth Sir Hugh Munro-Lucas-Tooth , Hendon South

I am not aware of the particular case. A large number of prisoners applied to stay but were not able to do so because there were no places for them to go to in agriculture.