HC Deb 27 October 1902 vol 113 cc804-5
MR. JOHN ELLIS (Nottinghamshire, Rushcliffe)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War what number of those who were prisoners of war at the signing of the terms of peace in South Africa have been sent back to their homes, what number still remain at the places where they were confined, what are the numbers and places respectively, and what arrangements have been made for the return of these.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY To THE WAR OFFICE (Lord STANLEY,) Lancashire, Westhoughton

The number of prisoners of war repatriated or en route is about 13,000. The numbers remaining are—at St. Helena, about 200; at Bermuda, about 400; in Ceylon, 2,800; and in Indian camps. 6,200. Arrangements have been made for bringing back 7,000 of those in Ceylon and India before the end of: the year, and the remainder can be sent back very soon afterwards if they have declared allegiance.

MR. PIRIE (Aberdeen, N.)

1 beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, with reference to the fund of.£3,000,000 granted for re-stocking and reinstating Boers on their farms, whether any portion of that sum has been employed in the travelling expenses of the repatriation of the Boer prisoners.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (Mr. J. CHAMBERLAIN,) Birmingham, W.

The answer is in the negative. The cost of bringing the Boer prisoners back to the new colonies falls upon Army funds.

MR. PIRIE

To what use is the fund known as the Repatriation Fund put in South Africa?

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not know to what fund the hon. Member refers. I do not know that any fund is specially called the Repatriation Fund.

MR. PIRIE

The fund on which cheques are drawn for repatriation purposes. Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will inquire.