§ 44. Mr. KINGasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the German officers who were tried at Chester by court-martial on 23rd April for escaping were sentenced to twenty-eight days' imprisonment without hard labour, and that the three interned Germans who escaped from the Douglas (Isle of Man) detention camp on Tuesday, 20th April, were sentenced upon conviction by court-martial to six months' imprisonment with hard labour; whether, in the opinion of the Secretary of State, there was any sufficient reason for the disparity; and, if not, whether he will advise a remission of the sentences passed at Douglas?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe sentences were awarded, as stated in the question, by military courts. It is not proposed to take any action as regards these sentences.
§ 46. Sir J. D. REESasked the Prime Minister whether His Majestys Government will consider the propriety of interning selected German prisoners of war upon our Channel, Atlantic, and other passenger steamers in view of the action of the enemy in destroying unarmed ships and crews under the cover of the necessities of war, or, alternatively, if the Government will consider the propriety of using, as far as possible, captured German liners for our passenger trade?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThe policy suggested in the first part of the question is not in contemplation. With regard to the second part, all these ships which are capable of being utilised are now in use.