§ 45 Colonel Sir J. CRAIGasked the Prime Minister (1) whether he can explain the difference, if any, in the conditions regulating the visit of wives, mothers, fiancées, and sisters to British prisoners of war interned in Switzerland and Holland, respectively; whether he is aware that, in the latter country, there are many officers and non-commissioned officers who ought, on every ground of 1208 humanity, to have a woman relative or their fiancée with them as soon as possible after exchange from Germany; whether he will take steps to this end at an early date; (2) whether he can state the number of vacant places still available for British prisoners of war in Switzerland and Holland, respectively; whether such places are being filled with the utmost expedition pending the result of the new agreement at The Hague; (3) whether, if it is not found possible to allow the women relatives of prisoners of war to proceed to Holland, he will arrange for periodical leave for prisoners of war to visit their homes in this country and the Colonies?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Macpherson)My right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to these questions. In the absence of the delegates at the Hague, and pending the completion of the new agreement, I do not think it advisable to make any statement in reply to these questions, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will call at the War Office, I shall be happy to arrange for the position, as far as is possible, to be explained to him privately.