HC Deb 06 May 1915 vol 71 cc1236-7
6. Colonel LAWSON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware that at least thirteen British officers are, imprisoned in solitary confinement in the military prison at Cologne; whether they are only allowed one hour's exercise in an insanitary yard once a day and are forbidden, even then, to speak to one another; whether their cells are about 12 feet by 6 feet, with only one window high up in the wall; if they are denied decent sanitary conditions; and whether any German officers in England captured from submarines are subjected to like treatment?

Sir E. GREY

As to the first three parts of the hon. Member's question, similar information has reached me from unofficial sources. With regard to the last part of the question the answer is in the negative, as is shown by the report of the member of the United States Embassy, who visited the German prisoners at Chatham, and which was published by the Press Bureau on the 4th instant. The prisoners at Devonport were visited yesterday. I may add that the treatment of the prisoners at Devonport is similar to that accorded to the prisoners at Chatham. The report of the treatment of German prisoners here has been forwarded to Berlin, as it was stated that the same treatment would be given to the British prisoners in Germany.

48. Lord C. BERESFORD

asked the Prime Minister whether any immediate action is going to be taken with regard to the treatment of British prisoners in Germany; and whether he is aware that, if the present mortality amongst the prisoners continues, there may be very few alive at the end of the War?

51. Sir FREDERICK BANBURY

also asked the Prime Minister what steps he has taken to carry out the Resolution of the House of Commons of 27th April dealing with the treatment of prisoners of war in Germany?

The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)

I must refer to the statements which were made in the Debate yesterday.

Lord C. BERESFORD

Is no immediate action going to be taken with regard to these prisoners?

The PRIME MINISTER

I described yesterday exactly what steps we are taking.

Lord C. BERESFORD

Then are steps only going to be taken after the War is over?

The PRIME MINISTER

I must refer the Noble Lord to what I said yesterday.