HC Deb 06 March 1917 vol 91 cc206-7
38. Colonel Lord HENRY CAVENDISH-BENTINCK

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division), if he will give the total cost involved by the establishment, maintenance, and guarding civilian internment camps in the United Kingdom, the total amount of allowances paid to the wives and children of enemy aliens interned in those camps, and the total number of men employed in guarding interned civilians in the United Kingdom?

Mr. HOPE

With regard to the first part of the question, I am sorry that it is not possible to give separate figures for the civilian as apart from the combatant camps. I hope to give the figures asked for in the second part of the question on Thursday, if my Noble Friend would be good enough to repeat is then. With regard to the last part of the question, the War Office do not think it expedient to publish the number of men engaged in any particular service.

Mr. WARDLE

May I ask whether there has lately been an increase in the amount of the allowance?

Mr. HOPE

I should require notice of that.

Sir J. D. REES

Are not the men engaged in guarding interned camps in all cases ineligible men for foreign service and men who in any case would be employed at home?

Mr. HOPE

I believe that is so.

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