asked the Secretary of State for War what is the proportion of non-co-operators amongst the Italian prisoners of war in British hands.

About a quarter of the Italian prisoners in this country are non-co-operators. This includes, of course, those for whom no suitable employment can be found.

Is there any material difference in the treatment of co-operators and non-co-operators?

If my hon. Friend wants to know exactly the difference and puts down a Question I will give him the information.

Why not send the non-co-operators back to their native land?