111. Mr. EDMUND HARVEYasked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) where progress has been made in the improvement of the position of British prisoners of war who have been placed in retaliation camps by the German military authorities?
Mr. HOPEAn arrangement has been arrived at with the German Government for the withdrawal of British prisoners of war 30 kilometres behind the firing lines both on the Eastern and Western fronts. The German Government has informed us recently that 2,000 British prisoners of war have already been withdrawn. We have asked the Netherlands Minister to report as soon as possible when he has ascertained that the withdrawal of all prisoners concerned is completed. The German Government also states that our prisoners of war are receiving better treatment. We are endeavouring to verify this assurance. Information has been received from one of our prisoners to the effect that food parcels began to be delivered from about 23rd April, and that the condition of our prisoners generally is considerably improved.
Mr. HARVEYCan steps be taken to publish the report of the Netherlands Government when it is received?