§ 12. Mr. ASHLEYasked the Secretary of State for War how many German military officers and men have been taken prisoners by us; and how many of ours have been captured by the Germans?
§ Mr. FORSTERMy hon. Friend put this question on the Paper for the 20th July, and the answer prepared appeared in the OFFICIAL REPORT. Since then it has been possible to obtain somewhat fuller information. The number of German military prisoners of war in this country and in working camps in France is 20,200, of whom 401 are officers. I understand there are also 1,467 naval prisoners, of whom 121 are officers. In addition to the figure just given there are a number of prisoners, estimated at about 4,000, who have been recently captured, but have not yet reached this country. The number of British military officers and soldiers estimated to be still in the hands of the Germans on the 30th June, after those repatriated, transferred to Switzerland, etc., have been deducted, is 25,350, of whom 721 are officers.