36. Sir F. HALLasked the Undersecretary of State for War whether exercise for British officers detained in the prisoners of war camp at Saarbrücken is confined to a space about 100 yards by 20 yards; whether officers in this country are treated in a similar manner; and, if not, will he take steps to secure that a communication should reach the German Government intimating that unless these prisoners of war are granted greater freedom, instead of being confined to an exercise yard like criminals, German officer prisoners of war in this country will be treated in a similar manner?
Mr. J. HOPE (Lord of the Treasury)I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to my reply on 1st May to a similar question by the hon. Member for Bishop Auckland.
§ 87. General CROFTasked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) whether the British Government is satisfied with the feeding of the British prisoners at Groningen Camp; whether they are only allowed 2 ozs. of meat weekly; and, if so, what steps he proposes taking to alleviate their condition?
Mr. J. HOPEOwing to delay in receipt of mails, His Majesty's Government have only just received reports on this matter from His Majesty's Legation at The Hague, who have already taken it up with the Netherland authorities. His Majesty's Minister is now being instructed by telegram to renew his representations and to press strongly for immediate improvement of conditions under which the British subjects affected are interned. His Majesty's Government had not received information regarding the meat allowance, but inquiry is being made on this point in the telegram.