§ 15. Mr. G. FABERasked whether Donington Hall has been given up as a place of internment for prisoners of war, or whether it is proposed to give it up; whether there is any, and, if so, what limit to the supply of wines and spirits and beer for German officers interned there so long as they pay for them; and whether an American bar has been arranged there for their use?
§ Mr. TENNANTThere is no intention of giving up Donington Hall as a place of internment for prisoners of war. The consumption of light wines and beers, which alone are permitted, is strictly limited by the Commandant. There is no American bar. I had hoped the hon. Gentleman would have given the administration credit for being more sensible than appears from his question.
§ Mr. TENNANTThe amount is a question which involves figures, and the hon. Gentleman did not ask me that I cannot give the figures at the moment
§ Mr. STUART-WORTLEYAre the prisoners allowed to buy wines and spirits at a time when we are not allowed to buy them in our own clubs?
§ Mr. TENNANTThat is another question of detail which I cannot answer on the spur of the moment. I should think it doubtful that any such privilege was granted.
§ Mr. FABERIs it not time that this treatment ceased in view of the treatment received by our prisoners in Germany?
§ Mr. TENNANTI had hoped that my answer conveyed to the hon. Member the impression that no such privileges do exist. If I am not able to convince the hon. Member that is not my fault.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Gentleman has no right of reply.
§ 24. Sir R. COOPERasked what was the total cost of the maintenance of Donington Hall during the year 1915?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)I regret that the figures are not available for the period prior to 1st May. Apart from capital outlay and the original cost of furnishing, the cost of maintenance for the last eight months of 1915 amounted to £2,250.