85. Captain GARR-GOMMasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will state the total number of prisoners of war placed under his authority in the Isle of Man; the number engaged in the Government brush-making industry; the number engaged in agriculture; and whether any other industries have been started for prisoners on the island?
§ Sir G. CAVEIn answer to the first part of the question, the number at the end of March was 18.802. It would not be in the public interest to give the figures asked for in the remainder of the question.
§ Captain CARR-GOMMCan the right hon. Gentleman say what is the number engaged in this industry?
§ Sir G. CAVEThose are figures which Germany is very anxious to have, and I do not think the hon. and gallant Member will desire to press the question.
§ Captain CARR-GOMMCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether these men have to be trained in this industry, or are they expert?
§ Sir G. CAVENo, Sir. It is very simple work.
§ 86. Captain CARR-GOMMasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now state what financial profit, if any, has been made from the brush-making industry for prisoners of war in the Isle of Man; how long the industry has been in existence; whether the brushes manufactured have been placed on the market; and whether any brushes have been made for Government issue?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe work commenced in September, 1916, and the accounts made up for the period ending December, 1917, showed a small credit balance. Brushes are made for Government issue, and only those not suitable or required for that purpose are placed on the market.
§ 87. Captain CARR-GOMMasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will say what technical experts in the brush trade were consulted by the Home Office before the brush-making industry was started in the Isle of Man; whether he has been in communication with the British Brush Manufacturers' Association with regard to this matter; and, if so, whether any modifications of the Government industry have been made in consequence of the representations made by this body?
§ Sir G. CAVEA person possessing technical knowledge was consulted before this industry was started. I have been in communication with the Manufacturers' Association, and, in consequence of their representations, an offer has been made to them to which they have not yet given a definite reply.