§ 7. Colonel McCALMONTasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he can now make any statement with regard to the alleged demand for British civilian labour to clear the cesspools of a camp for German prisoners of war; and whether he is satisfied that this is an isolated case?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI am informed that the cesspools at the camp referred to are pumped out by means of an engine which is now in working order. When the premises were first taken over the cesspools, which had not been attended to for some time, required clearing out. The Eton Rural District Council were approached, but were unable to undertake the work. No protest was made by the council. No other cases have been brought to notice.
§ Colonel McCALMONTMay I send the right hon. Gentleman an application to the same council, from quite a different camp, made in April this year, for exactly the same work?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI think this particular case was in April. If I am wrong, I shall be glad to have the advantage of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's information.
§ Mr. McNEILLWho was responsible for making this application to the local authority when they had prisoners of war who could do the work?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONAs I understand, the application was made before the prisoners of war arrived. It is the duty of the local authority to see that everything is done to maintain public health, and, if my understanding is right, this application was made before the prisoners arrived at all at this particular camp. If that is so, I do not see what reason there is to complain.
§ Colonel McCALMONTIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this application has been repeated twice or three times?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONNo; I am not.