§ 85. Mr. WATTasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the prisoners 3174 of war camp at Auchterarder, in Perthshire, is ever inspected by his Department; if so, when was the last visit of such inspector; is he aware that dissatisfaction with the food and arrangements exists in that camp; whether the officer commanding sells the food to the men under him and to the prisoners; and have the soldiers there to march fifty German prisoners daily to and from their work, the latter in darkness, on lonely roads, with unloaded rifles and no ammunition?
Mr. HOPEI am informed by the military authorities that this camp was inspected on 12th September last by an inspector from the War Office. Inquiry is being made by the local military authorities with regard to the other matters referred to in the question.
§ 86 and 88. Colonel McCALMONTasked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) 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; and (2) 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?
§ 87. Colonel McCALMONTasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether German prisoners of war who were recently tried and acquitted on a serious criminal assault charge were proved to have been away from control for several hours; and, if so, what steps have been taken to deal with those responsible or to prevent a recurrence of such neglect to maintain proper discipline and supervision?
Mr. HOPEI am informed by the military authorities that the proceedings in this case have been carefully examined. It is unquestioned that the men were away from control, but there is no evidence that the guard were to blame. A further inquiry into the matter is, however, being made.