HC Deb 25 February 1941 vol 369 cc356-7
27. Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will issue a leaflet for circulation among next-of-kin of officer prisoners of war, giving a clear explanation of the deduction authorised to be made from the pay of prisoners and the exact scale of payment due from the German Government to each rank of British officer prisoners?

Captain Margesson

Everyone who makes an inquiry at the War Office on this subject—and there are not many such inquiries—is given an explanatory statement, and information is also obtainable from the Army agents and the Army Pay Office at Manchester through which all officers' pay is issued. I do not think that it is necessary to circulate a leaflet.

Sir A. Knox

Does the right hon. and gallant Gentleman know that several of these Army agents have been unable to explain to relatives what deductions are made? I have received several letters to that effect. It is said that the War Office keeps it secret.

Captain Margesson

It is certainly not secret, and I will see that the Army agents art; given full information.

Sir A. Knox

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman see that the War Office gives the exact deductions made from each officer's pay according to his rank, together with the equivalent in German marks?

Captain Margesson

Yes, Sir, that information is given to the Army agents' offices.

Sir H. O'Neill

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether it is now permissible for the relatives of prisoners to send money?

Captain Margesson

No, Sir. I answered a Question on that subject some time ago.