HC Deb 26 October 1916 vol 86 cc1305-6
106. Mr. MALCOLM

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether there is any organisation under the control of His Majesty's Government for securing hospital or sanatorium treatment for British civilian prisoners repatriated from enemy countries for maintaining them and assisting them to get employment if they should desire such assistance?

Mr. HAYES FISHER

The Government Committee on the Prevention and Relief of Distress have made arrangements with the Central Charities Committee for the care of British civilian prisoners released from internment in enemy countries. The Central Charities Committee meets them at the port of arrival, affords temporary assistance and shelter to those in need, arranges for the provision of medical and hospital treatment for sick cases (other than the serious cases, which are dealt with by the Red Cross Society), and helps them to obtain employment. Those who have homes in this country are provided in case of need with their railway fares, and if on reaching home they still require assistance they come under the care of the Local Representative Committee. The expenses of the Central Charities Committee are met out of grants from the National Relief Fund.