§ 6. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that the duty of searching hospitals in enemy and enemy-occupied territory, allocated to the Red Cross, is being carried out efficiently, and that the next-of-kin of all officers and men in these hospitals have been informed of the fate of their relatives?
§ Captain MargessonI am not altogether clear what my hon. Friend has in mind. Occasionally the War Office receives information about missing personnel from national Red Cross societies in enemy-occupied territories. This assistance which is much appreciated, is entirely voluntary and unofficial in character. It is often extremely difficult to establish the identity of the individuals to whom these reports refer, but wherever such identification is possible the information is communicated to the next-of-kin.
§ Sir W. SmithersDoes my right hon. and gallant Friend think that these organisations are adequate, and are the next of kin being given the fullest information possible in order to relieve their anxiety?
§ Captain MargessonIt is very difficult for me to answer the first part of the Supplementary Question, because the organisation is inside enemy-occupied territory and I have no power over it. Any information that is obtained is certainly given to the relatives.
§ 12. Mr. Hewlettasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the condition of the British prisoners of war in Camp 2, Stalag XXIE, as regards unsuitable accommodation, inadequate food and unsatisfactory cleansing arrangements; and whether, as nearly 1,000 prisoners are concerned, he will as soon as possible, make inquiries through the Protecting Power to ensure better treatment?
§ Captain MargessonInformation has been received which indicates that the accommodation for British prisoners of war at Stalag XXIE is not satisfactory. The matter has been taken up with the Protecting Power, and an early visit to the camp will be made.
§ Mr. HewlettWhile thanking the Minister for his reply, may I ask that extra special efforts be made, as I understand many of the prisoners of war were those brought to Rouen for repatriation purposes?
§ Captain MargessonYes, Sir, I have asked that this shall be made a matter of urgency.
§ 18. Mr. Bellengerasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has any statement to make regarding the ill-treatment of British prisoners of war by the Italians at Bardia?
§ Captain MargessonI am not yet in a position to add anything to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for South Kensington (Sir W. Davison) on 28th January.