§ 48. Mr. HOGGEasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that merchant seamen detained in Germany at the outbreak of War as civilian prisoners are being asked by the Prisoners of War Department to refund the cost of their repatriation to this country; whether he is aware that Chief Engineer Spencer has been asked by that Department to refund 100 florins advanced by His Majesty's Minister at The Hague for his fare from Rotterdam; and whether this is a usual practice?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWOn the general practice, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. Member for York on the 16th instant. I am inquiring as to the case of Chief Engineer Spencer.
§ Mr. HOGGEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in spite of his reply his Department is actually asking these men, who are obviously destitute, when they come back to this country to refund the money? I have in my possession copy of a letter asking Chief Engineer Spencer to do so.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is making a statement.
§ Mr. SPEAKERI have a good many things in my possession.
§ Mr. HOGGEI asked a question with regard to a man, a prisoner of war, who has been returned to this country by the British Government. The answer to the question to which the right hon. Gentleman refers me says that it is not the practice to ask for the money. This man has been destitute and has been asked for the money. I am asking the right hon. Gen- 1434 tleman whether the Treasury will refrain from sending these letters to returned prisoners of war asking them to return the money.
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe hon. Member evidently did not hear the last part of my reply. I said I would look into the case.