§ 26. Major NEWMANasked the Undersecretary of State for War whether the scale of dietary for enemy prisoners of war in this country now conforms, both in quality and quantity, with that which, under the rationing system at present in force, is possible for an adult British civilian; and, if not, will he give the scale allowed to enemy prisoners of war?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI will circulate with the OFFICIAL REPORT a copy of the scale at present in force which has been approved by the medical authorities.
§ The following is the scale referred to:
§ Prisoners of War. (Amended Scale of Rations.)
| Daily (except where otherwise shown) — | ||
| Bread | 9 | ozs. |
| Broken Biscuit | 4 | ozs. |
| Meat | 4 | ozs. |
| (5 days a week. Pickled beef will be issued on 2 of these days, if available.) | ||
| Salt-cured or smoked herrings | 10 | ozs. |
| (2 days a week.) | ||
| Tea | ¼ | oz. |
| or | ||
| Coffee | ½ | oz. |
| Sugar | 1 | oz. |
| Salt | ¼ | oz. |
| Potatoes | 20 | ozs. |
| Other fresh vegetables | 4 | ozs. |
| Split peas or beans | 2 | ozs. |
| Rice | 1 | oz. |
| Oatmeal | 1 | oz. |
| (If full ration is not obtainable, an equal quantity of rice may be issued in lieu.) | ||
| Jam | 1 | oz. |
| Cheese | 1 | oz. |
| Pepper | 1/100 | oz. |
| Maize Meal | ½ | oz. |
§ Weekly—
§ Either 8 ozs. salt-cured herrings and 2 ozs. oatmeal; or 4 ozs. salt-cured herrings, 2 ozs. oatmeal and 2½ ozs. broken biscuit.
§ When men are not employed on work, the following items of the daily ration will be deducted unless the medical officer advises to the contrary in any particular case—
| Bread | … | … | 4 | ozs |
| Oatmeal or rice | … | … | 1 | oz. |
| Cheese | … | … | 1 | oz. |
| Maize meal | … | … | ½ | oz. |
§ 27. Mr. MACMASTERasked the Undersecretary of State for War what is the condition, so far as known, of the British prisoners in the hands of the Turks; what facilities are afforded them by the Turks for receiving communications from their friends and relatives in this country and for receiving parcels of comforts or money assistance; are any proceedings being taken with a view to exchange of prisoners with the Turks; and, if so, when is any such arrangement likely to be put into operation?
Mr. HOPEIn regard to the condition of British prisoners in Turkey, I may say that their treatment by the Turkish authorities would appear to have somewhat improved, if anything, but that they are suffering very considerable hardship owing to the economic conditions prevailing in Turkey.
There is no limit on the amount of correspondence, parcels, or money which British prisoners of war are allowed by the Turkish authorities to receive, although money is not issued to the prisoners in large amounts at a time, and the delivery of everything sent from this country is subject to the irregularities and delays characteristic of Turkish administration. In regard to the repatriation of prisoners, I would refer the hon. Member to my recent replies on the subject of the ratification of the Berne Agreement by the Turkish Government.
Sir F. HALLIn view of the terrible privations through which these prisoners are passing, will the hon. Gentleman see if it is possible to take any steps to accelerate the deliveries of parcels sent out to them?