§ 48. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the condition of the English prisoners 381 recently returned from Germany shows evidence of neglect and ill-treatment; and whether he will consider the limitation of luxuries to German prisoners in this country?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe English prisoners recently returned from Germany did not show evidence of neglect and ill-treatment. They stated that they were well treated so long as they were in hospital, but less well in the camps, where their food is stated to have been scanty and unsuited to them. Those who came direct from hospital looked much better fed than those from the camps.
§ 49. Sir J. D. REESasked whether it is proposed to exceed the sum of £17,000 already spent in fitting Donington Hall for the confinement of German officer prisoners of war; for how many such officers this house has been fitted at this cost; how many are at present in occupation: and why it was necessary to spend so large a sum for this purpose?
§ Mr. TENNANTAs has already been stated in answer to previous questions, the sum of £13,000 only has been expended on this service, including £4,000 for furniture. Accommodation has been provided for 320 German officers and eighty prisoner of war servants. At present 103 prisoner officers and men are in occupation. It was necessary to carry out extensive repairs to the drainage, to install electric light, and also to build quarters for the guard of three officers and 100 men, and for the staff outside the barbed wire fence.
§ Sir J. D. REESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the somewhat luxurious treatment of these prisoners of war has caused unfavourable comment in the Eastern Midlands?
§ Mr. TENNANTI believe there is a certain amount of criticism as to the money spent.