56. Sir F. HALLasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if the Government will consider the advisability of an arrangement being come to for joint representations to be made, and action taken, as regards the treatment and exchange of prisoners of all the Allied countries, instead of continuing the present arrangement under which each country conducts separate negotiations, with the object of taking more effective measures against the possibility of Allied prisoners of war being ill-treated and neglected, as has often been the case in the past?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)The Government will continue to act as far as possible in consultation with the other Allied Governments in any measures necessary for the improvement of the conditions of prisoners of war in enemy countries. I fear, however, that the proposal of my hon. and gallant Friend would involve so much delay that I am not prepared to adopt it.