47. Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the Prime Minister whether he has received a resolution unanimously passed by the corporation of the city of Glasgow urging that arrangements should be made for a general exchange of civilian prisoners of war with Germany; and whether the Government has come to any decision in this matter?
Mr. J. F. HOPE (Lord of the Treasury)My right hon. Friend has received the resolution referred to. The question of a general exchange of civilian prisoners has been frequently considered, but I regret to say that the obstacles in the way of bringing it about have hitherto proved insurmountable.
Mr. HOPEThe Dutch Government have succeeded to the functions which were formerly exercised by the representatives of the American Government.
§ Mr. BUTCHERAre negotiations for the exchange of prisoners still going on?
Mr. HOPENo; I am afraid that at this moment negotiations have been suspended. If there is any likelihood of the German Government consenting to a man-for-man exchange no doubt they would be renewed.
§ Sir C. HENRYThen am I to take it that the idea of a general exchange of prisoners has been abandoned?
§ 71. Commander WEDGWOODasked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) if ho can state what arrangements have been made to ensure the regular transport off food parcels, clothing, medicines, etc., from this country to British prisoners of war in Germany; and whether he can assure the House that the recent German sea regulations will not involve the starvation of our prisoners?
Mr. HOPEArrangements have been made, and our information is that the parcels for British prisoners of war in Germany are going regularly to their destination.