§ 21. Sir FORTESCUE FLANNERYasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the steamers "Ascania," "Scotian," "Lake Manitoba," "Saxonia," "Ivernia," and "Royal Edward," or any of them, still remain occupied by German prisoners of war; whether he can state what is the cost per head per day of the housing accommodation afforded by these steamers; whether for lodging alone each German prisoner on board these ships is costing at the rate of £80 per annum; and whether, in view of the difficulty of obtaining ships sufficient for the legitimate 386 requirements of transport, the use of seagoing vessels for the purpose of imprisonment will be discontinued?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe use of seagoing vessels for the internment of prisoners has always been considered a temporary measure, and every endeavour has been made to free the ships for their legitimate purpose. The "Saxonia." "Royal Edward," and "Uranium" are the only ships now being so used. The two former will be released for other purposes by the end of the month. The date at which the "Uranium" (taken up to replace the "Lake Manitoba," required for other work) can be freed is not yet fixed, but it will be early. The cost of the service was given in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Deptford on 9th March.