§ 80. Colonel Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) why the Government has refused the offer of the Austrian Government to exchange Baron Georgevitz, who has only one leg, for the hon. and gallant Member for Holderness, who has been a prisoner of war in Austria for over a year?
§ Mr. JAMES HOPE (Lord of the Treasury)His Majesty's Government decided, about a year ago, after careful consideration upon the strong representations of all the Departments concerned, to abandon the principle of individual exchanges. They were largely influenced by the fact that such exchanges give rise to suggestions of favour and privilege, and are difficult to negotiate except on terms unfavourable to the public interest. In this case the proposal was for the exchange of Captain Stanley Wilson for Lieutenant V. Georgevitz and another officer.