§ 41. Mr. PETOasked the Treasurer of the Household whether any steps have been taken to get the American Ambassador to have the conditions of British prisoners of war engaged in factories, workshops, and other industrial establishments in Germany inquired into; whether he has any recent information with regard to their condition and treatment; and whether he will have any information possessed by the Government printed in a White Paper?
Mr. HOPEThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The answer to the second part of the question is that reports have been received which showed that the conditions in different places vary greatly. The answer to the third part of the question is that the reports cannot be published without leave of the American Government, and in this connection I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Croydon on the 21st ultimo.
§ Mr. PETODo any of the reports, as received, show that the prisoners engaged in this kind of work are receiving fair or reasonable treatment, and will the hon. Gentleman take steps to obtain the consent of the American Embassy to the publication of such reports as have been received?
Mr. HOPEYes, some of the reports show that the condition in certain camps is fairly good. We are in communication with the American authorities, and we hope to get some of the reports published.