HC Deb 23 July 1918 vol 108 cc1616-7
7. Mr. PETO

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the dispatch of blankets and candles to prisoners in Turkey is prohibited and the despatch of soap limited to 1 lb. per month; and whether, in view of the comparatively small number of these prisoners and the difficulty of obtaining these articles in Turkey, he will arrange for these restrictions to be modified?

Mr. MACPHERSON

The dispatch of blankets and candles to prisoners of war in Turkey is at present prohibited. The amount of soap which may be sent to officers is 16 ozs. per four weeks, and to other ranks 12 ozs. per four weeks. In addition, one stick of shaving soap is allowed per quarter and 18 tablets of anti-lice soap are included in each "standard parcel" sent by the Invalid Comforts Fund. So far as soap is concerned, the quantity authorised is considered adequate, but the question of modifying the restrictions as to candles and blankets is now being further considered.