HC Deb 10 June 1918 vol 106 cc1870-1
77. General McCALMONT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the services of British labour are allowed in camps containing enemy prisoners of war for such work as the cleaning of cesspools and similar sanitary duties; whether any such arrangement is made for British prisoners in enemy hands; and, if not, whether this practice will be immediately discontinued?

Mr. MACPHERSON

Sanitary duties in prisoners of war camps in this country are carried out by the prisoners, and, as far as is known, similar duties are done by our prisoners in the camps in Germany in which they are interned.

General McCALMONT

Has the hon. Gentleman's attention been called to an appeal on behalf of certain rural councils that British labour should not be called upon to clear the cesspools of German prisoners' camps?

Mr. MACPHERSON

No; my attention has not been called to that particular appeal, but if my hon. and gallant Friend will draw my attention to it by giving me the particulars, I will certainly look into it.