§ 16. Major WHELERasked the Undersecretary of State for War what are the rates of pay for German prisoners of war who are working in this country at agriculture or any industrial work and behind the lines in France or Flanders, respectively; what are the rates of pay for British prisoners of war employed on similar work in Germany; and what information have the Government that British prisoners of war are receiving the correct rates of pay for work done?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)In accordance with the Annex to The Hague Convention, dated 18th October, 1907, German prisoners of war are paid working pay as laid down in the Pay Warrant for British soldiers. These rates vary from ½d. to 2d. an hour for time-work and for certain classes of work corresponding piece-work rates are fixed. I have no information to lead me to think that British prisoners in Germany are not receiving the correct rates of pay under The Hague Convention, namely, the rates usually paid to German soldiers.
§ 17. Major WHELERasked the Undersecretary of State for War if he will state what are the component parts of the daily ration given to British prisoners of war in Germany when employed on hard work?
§ Mr. JAMES HOPE (Lord of the Treasury)I am afraid I cannot give a definite answer to this question, as the conditions vary considerably at the different camps. It is, however, general knowledge that the food conditions for our prisoners of war in Germany, to say the least, leave much to be desired.
§ 18. Major WHELERasked the Undersecretary of State for War whether the Government have any information to show that the accommodation and efficiency of the camp hospitals for British prisoners of war in Germany is equal to the standard of comfort and efficiency of the camp hospitals for German prisoners of war in this country?
§ Major WHELERAre we to understand that there can be no information, and that these men are deserving of no consideration?