§ 5. Lord CHARLES BERESFORDasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the members of the Naval Brigade now interned in Holland lost the whole of their kits at Antwerp; whether he is aware that these men allotted most of their pay to those dependent upon them, and are therefore unable to provide themselves with comforts; whether money orders can be sent through the post offices to prisoners of the Naval Brigade; and, if so, can the Admiralty send the interned men their pay?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAll the kits lost by the Naval Brigade in Antwerp are being replaced by the Government and supplies of warm clothing similar to those issued to the Fleet in Home waters are being sent to Holland. It is the case that a considerable number of the brigade had allotted their pay, but letters and parcels are being sent to them free of postage charges, and my information is that officers and men are being treated with great consideration and humanity by the Netherlands Government. The question whether they may receive any part of their pay in excess of the payments that are being made by the Netherlands Government is under consideration, but pending a settlement all allotments declared are being paid, separation allowances are being issued, and those interned are being credited with the full pay of their rank or rating.
§ Lord C. BERESFORDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is consider able anxiety among the dependants of officers and men of the Naval Brigade, more particularly with regard to casualties, and that that anxiety has been considerably increased since the statement of the First Lord? Can he inform the House of the large number of missing, of whom no account has been given? Can he give—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe Noble Lord ought to give notice of that.