§ 87. Mr. BYRNEasked the Under-Secretary for War whether the Irish prisoners of war will be allowed to receive tobacco, newspapers, and clean underclothing; if he will take the necessary steps to have instructions issued to that effect; if he is aware that they are in solitary confinement; if he will state whether solitary confinement is given to all German prisoners interned in Great Britain or British prisoners interned in Germany; if he will cause this punishment to be removed by allowing the Irish prisoners of war to converse at frequent intervals; and if he will make arrangements for each to attend their own church services on Sundays and other days recognised by the Church?
§ Mr. TENNANTMy hon. Friend will no doubt be aware that I stated yesterday that I would have the matter of tobacco and cigarettes considered, but I have since been reminded that the published regulations state that parcels may be sent to prisoners either by post or by hand. I know of no reason for supposing that clean underclothing would not be welcomed by those in charge of the prisoners. My right hon. Friend stated yesterday that the prisoners, except in a very few cases, are allowed intercourse with one another, and I understand that they are also allowed the ordinary facilities extended to prisoners of war, which would include access to religious ministrations.