§ 32. Sir RICHARD COOPERasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if evidence is being taken of released prisoners as to their experiences; and, if so, are all the persons engaged on this work of British nationality?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Herbert Samuel)Yes, Sir. This is one of the duties of the Government Committee on the Treatment by the Enemy of British Prisoners of War, which was appointed by my predecessor, and over which Mr. Justice Younger presides. I am informed that all persons employed by the Committee for this purpose are of British nationality.
§ Sir R. COOPERIs it not the fact that the hon. secretary, Mrs. Livingstone, is an American lady?
§ Mr. SAMUELI have given the information which has been supplied to me but I will inquire.
§ 75. Sir E. CORNWALLasked the Prime Minister what Government machinery and organisation will be set up for the new Department which it is proposed should in future deal with matters connected with British prisoners in enemy countries; whether any officials who have special knowledge of the subject will be transferred from the Foreign Office and the War Office; and, if so, will he state how many there will be and give their names and positions?
§ Mr. JAMES HOPE (Treasurer of the Household)It is proposed that the existing staff of the Prisoners and Aliens' Department of the Foreign Office should 1814 be transferred to the new Department; this will involve the transfer of about eleven officials of various classes. It is not proposed to transfer any officials from the War Office to the new Department.
§ Mr. MALCOLMWill Lord Newton, who is Assistant Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, remain head of that Department?