asked the Secretary of State for War what was the total expense, including payment for work done, of German prisoners of war in this country for the last recorded period; and what was the income received from those who employed them.

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for West Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 10th June last.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether, on balance, there is a financial profit or loss to the Exchequer?

It is not easy to strike a balance sheet in this matter. While it would appear, superficially, that the War Office gains a profit, I am not quite certain that it is actually a profit, because the surplus is required for certain purposes.

If there is any profit, ought it not to be used to increase the allowances made to German prisoners of war?

This question of an increase in the pay and emoluments of the prisoners of war is constantly under review, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

How can the figures given in June be relevant today, in view of the thousands of prisoners who have been sent home since that date?

The statement made by my predecessor on 10th June applies to the last recorded impression of the position.

Has not there been any record since?

Is it not the fact that my right hon. Friend's predecessor told the House that the cost of keeping these men was 23s. a week. As they get only 9s. a week, does that not leave a balance of £3, which goes to the Exchequer?

It cannot fall entirely into the pockets of the Exchequer, because a proportion has to be used for certain purposes, the maintenance of hostels, and so on.