§ 46. Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the Prime Minister what exactly are the powers and duties of Lord Newton as head of the Prisoners of War Department; and whether the negotiations with Germany are being conducted by him or by the Foreign Office?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe Prisoners of War Department, which had previously been a Department of the Foreign Office, was reconstituted under a decision of the Cabinet dated 26th October, 1916, since which date the Foreign Office has ceased to be responsible for the policy pursued in regard to prisoners of war. Under the above decision the Prisoners of War Department works n conjunction with other Departments concerned in questions affecting prisoners of war, and. in case of a difference of opinion involving any questions of policy arising between them, Lord Newton, as Controller of the Prisoners of War Department, was directed to bring the matter before the Cabinet.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSIf there had been delay in ascertaining what was going on between France and Germany, would Lord Newton or the Foreign Office be responsible?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWClearly the Foreign Office would not be more responsible than the rest of the Government. But, as a matter of fact, Lord Newton could not be responsible, for he had no knowledge.