§ 18. General McCALMONTasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the case in which a party of German prisoners were found stealing potatoes from fields at night; whether these prisoners were supposed to be under military guard, and what steps have been taken to deal with those responsible and to prevent the recurrence of such an incident?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe Chief Constable reports that two of the men concerned have been summoned and will be dealt with by the Civil Court. A third man could not be identified. All three men were combatant prisoners of war, and the question of their safe custody and supervision while at work is a matter for the War Office.
§ General McCALMONTAre we not to understand that the right hon. Gentleman is responsible for all arrangements in connection with these prisoners?
§ Sir G. CAVENo; not in connection with prisoners of war camps—they are still under the War Office.
§ 26. General McCALMONTasked the Home Secretary whether a farmer's son was recently fined for giving a shot-gun to German prisoners; what form of supervision was being exercised over these prisoners at the time; and what action has been taken in the matter?
§ Sir G. CAVEI have not heard of any such case. If the question relates to combatant prisoners of war it should be addressed to the War Office, which has the sole charge of these prisoners.
§ General McCALMONTAre we to understand that the right hon. Gentleman has no control at all of this matter?
§ Sir G. CAVEIt is not within the jurisdiction of the Committee over which I preside, but of course we could make representations on the subject.
§ 27. General McCALMONTasked the Home Secretary whether he can make any statement with regard to the non-employment of German prisoners in coal mines; and whether, in view of the shortage of coal and labour, the possibility of temporarily taking over certain pits for work entirely by prisoner labour under the supervision of soldier ex-miners who are unfit for work has been considered?
§ Sir G. CAVEThe Coal Controller is in communication with the War Office on this subject, but a decision has not yet been taken.