HC Deb 27 July 1916 vol 84 cc1862-3
53. Major HUNT

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that our own wounded are being held up for hours on our own railways because trains containing unwounded German prisoners are given preference and allowed to go first; and will he say what action he will take to prevent this preference being given to German prisoners?

Mr. FORSTER

My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has asked me to answer this question. Reference has been made to the acting chairman of the Railway Executive Committee, who says that the statement which my hon. and gallant Friend reproduces in his question js entirely without foundation.

Mr. MALCOLM

Is there any reason why the German prisoners should not march to their camps?

Mr. FORSTER

It depends upon the distance they have to go.

Major HUNT

Does the hon. Gentleman mean to say that our wounded soldiers are to be stopped on account of German prisoners?

Mr. FORSTER

My hon. Friend refers to the block upon the railway for hours——

Major HUNT

For how long?

Mr. FORSTER

I do not know that they were held up at all. The acting—chairman of the Railway Executive says the statement in the question is entirely without foundation.