§ 53. Colonel CLAUDE LOWTHERasked the Prime Minister whether British prisoners in Germany are forced to dig trenches within close range of Russian guns; and if so what steps the Government are taking to prevent English soldiers being subjected to this cowardly peril?
Mr. HOPEI fear that I can only refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply on the 7th instant to the hon. Member for Leeds (West) in regard to this matter. I then said, "An 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 The German Government has informed us recently that 2,000 British prisoners of war have already been withdrawn.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 Netherland Minister to report as soon as possible when he has ascertained 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.
§ Colonel C. LOWTHERHas not the time arrived for a Committee to be appointed to look into the whole question of reprisals?
§ General Sir IVOR PHILIPPSCan ray hon. Friend say when he received these last Reports?
Mr. HOPEThis answer was given on the 7th of this month. I do not remember how many days before we heard from the Dutch Government, but it was not long.