HC Deb 23 June 1902 vol 109 cc1376-7
MR. JOHN ELLIS (Nottinghamshire, Rushcliff)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to the fact that by the terms of peace signed some weeks since in South Africa the inhabitants of the late republics there have become British subjects, instructions have been given to relax and mitigate in every possible way the conditions of life of the prisoners of war in various places and especially to afford them unfettered communication, by post and otherwise, with their relatives and friends; and when it is likely that the process of repatriation of the prisoners will commence.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. BRODRICK,) Surrey, Guildford

I have no specific information to enable me to reply to the points raised in the question, but every effort is being taken to proceed as rapidly as possible with the repatriation of the prisoners of War. As regards the censorship regulations, may I refer the hon. Member to the answer which my right hon. friend has given to the question put by the hon. Member for East Mayo.