HC Deb 22 January 1918 vol 101 cc794-5
9. Mr. BUTCHER

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has any information to the effect that hundreds of British and French officers, prisoners of war, have been sent to Stuttgart or other places in order to be subjected to air raids; and whether he will consider the desirability of sending German officers, prisoners of war, from Donington Hall and elsewhere to London or other places where they will be subject to the risk of German air raids on noncombatants and women and children, and of utilising Donington Hall as a hospital for our wounded soldiers?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Inquiries are being made as to the establishment of camps for prisoners of war in Germany in places particularly liable to air raids.

Mr. BUTCHER

Do I understand my hon. Friend to say that inquiries are being made as to prisoners of war in this country?

Mr. MACPHERSON

No; I did not intend to convey that. I do not think my hon. Friend can take any other than the answer I?have given. We are trying to substantiate certain rumours which have reached us as to the placing of our prisoners of war in air-raided parts of Germany.

Mr. BILLING

Can the hon. Gentleman state now that, if we discover this to be so, we shall act by way of reprisals?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I think the Air Minister has already made a definite statement upon that point.