§ 64. General CROFTasked the Undersecretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that on 11th April the occupants of a railway carriage on the 10.9 train from Bournemouth were turned out by the authorities at Southampton West in order to make room for German prisoners; and, if so, will he take steps to prevent a recurrence of such action?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI understand that the facts are as follow: Two first-class compartments were reserved in the 11.2 a.m. train from Bournemouth West on the 11th April to take up at Southampton West a party of seven German officer prisoners of war, with an escort of one officer and two men. On arrival of the train at Southampton, the compartments were found to be occupied, and the "engaged" labels had been partially torn off. The passengers in the compartments were requested to change, and all of them willingly did so except one man, who objected, but was eventually persuaded by the stationmaster and the officer in charge of the escort to change to another compartment.
§ General CROFTIs it necessary to turn out first-class passengers on any train? Cannot a special carriage, or a guard's van, or some other accommodation which is more suitable be provided in future?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe question must be addressed to the President of the Board of Trade. In this case, each compartment was specially reserved.
§ Mr. PETOIn view of the fact that British prisoners of war captured as recently as March last are employed in bringing up German ammunition behind the line, is it necessary to reserve first-class carriages in this country for prisoners of war?