85. Sir F. HALLasked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) whether he is aware that British prisoners in the hands of the Germans are, in a number of cases, precluded from corresponding, either by postcard or letter, with their relatives and friends except at intervals of many months; whether the same system is adopted with regard to correspondence from German prisoners in our hands; and, if not, whether immediate steps will be taken to inform the Gorman Government that if there is not more freedom allowed with respect to correspondence of our prisoners in their hands the same course will be stringently carried out with regard to German prisoners in this country?
Mr. HOPEThe correspondence of prisoners of war is one of the matters dealt with in the Agreement recently concluded at The Hague, and it is hoped that if the Agreement is ratified the abuses referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend will be removed.
Sir F. HALLCan the hon. Gentleman tell me whether, in the event of my putting this question down later in the Session, it will be possible for the Government to give me a reply?
Sir F. HALLMay I put it this way? When does the hon. Gentleman expect to receive any reply as to what is going to be done, owing to the representatives of the Government being at The Hague recently?
Sir F. HALLI am sorry my hon. Friend does not follow it. May I put it this way? When will he be in a position to inform the House as to what arrangements have been come to with regard to prisoners of war in Germany, owing to the meeting of The Hague Convention?
Mr. HOPEI understand my hon. and gallant Friend wants to know when the text of The Hague Agreement will be published. I am afraid it cannot be published until ratified by the respective Governments.
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELIs it likely to be before the House adjourns?