§ 54. Mr. G. FABERasked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) whether officer prisoners of war at Donington Hall and other officer-prisoners' camps in this country are still allowed to purchase as much as they choose to pay for of articles of diet other than bread, meat, and sugar; and, if so, considering the shortage that is likely to arise in this country of almost all articles of diet, he will consider the desirability of putting them forthwith on all-round rations, and limiting their purchases accordingly?
Mr. HOPEI have consulted the military authorities on this point, and they are of opinion that it would not be 1851 expedient to introduce a rationing system for officer prisoners in respect of articles of which there is no shortage and of which voluntary rations have not been recommended by the Food Controller.
§ Mr. FABERConsidering that there is likely to be a general shortage of all articles of diet, is it not time to put officers and enemy prisoners upon all-round rations?
Mr. HOPEThe amount involved, taken over the whole food supply of the country, is very small indeed, and I really think this is a matter which must be left to the military authorities and the Food Controller. If I may say so, it is a case of de minoribus ne cure senator.
§ Mr. BUTCHERIs there any reason why German officer prisoners should be treated more favourably than British civilians.