HC Deb 10 July 1918 vol 108 cc295-6
21. Mr. ALBION RICHARDSON

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any, and what, restrictions are placed upon the sending of parcels from this country to British prisoners of war interned in Holland; and whether facilities will be given by the Government to enable a sufficient quantity of food and clothing to be sent to them from this country?

Mr. JAMES HOPE (Lord of the Treasury)

In regard to the first part of the question, I am afraid I can add nothing to the reply I made yesterday to my hon. Friend the Member for Brentford. As regards the second part of the question, I am informed that although there was at first some delay in the dispatch of uniform and clothing, large consignments have been dispatched recently, and, in all, more than five thousand suits of clothing have been sent to Holland by the War Office and Admiralty within the last six months.

Mr. RICHARDSON

Is there any objection to the sending of money from this country to prisoners of war interned in Holland; and, if so, what are the restrictions?

Mr. HOPE

I know that the question has been discussed, but I am afraid that I must ask for notice as to the exact present position.

36. Captain BARNETT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the Railway-men's Convalescent Home, Leasowe Castle, Wallasley, which was commandeered early in the War for use by British troops, is now occupied by German prisoners of war; whether these prisoners or some of them are employed in repairing the sea wall; whether their employment in close proximity to the Irish Sea is either necessary or desirable; and whether, in view of the strain which has been thrown upon railwaymen by the War, he will take steps to secure that this convalescent home shall be restored at the earliest possible moment to its proper use?

Mr. MACPHERSON

This convalescent home is at present occupied by prisoners of war. Some of the prisoners are engaged on urgent repair work to an embankment which was damaged by gales, and others are employed on cleansing the River Birkett. This latter work is done under the supervision of the Board of Agriculture, and will eventually benefit food production. I am afraid it is not possible to arrange to move the prisoners at present, but I am having further inquiry made as to whether the building can be released when the present work is completed.