77. Sir HENRY DALZIELasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the billeting allowance of 6 francs per day granted to British officers who are interned prisoners of war in Switzerland has been reduced to 2 francs per day; whether this reduction, which was made without warning in many cases, has caused inconvenience, especially to the married officers; whether, as a result, many of them are running into debt; and whether he can give any satisfactory reason for the deduction?
§ Mr. FORSTERI am not aware of any recent changes in this matter, and there is no such billeting allowance as that to which my right hon. Friend alludes. Officers interned in Switzerland are provided with food and lodging by the Swiss Government, and towards the cost of this the British Government make a fixed contribution of 6 francs 50 centimes per day. A deduction of 3 francs 50 centimes from their pay towards their messing and general expenses is made while the officers are in Switzerland.