Captain STANLEY WILSON (by Private Notice)asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that on the 10th November several military officers and five officers of the British Mercantile 3430 Marine, who had been prisoners of war in Austria, arrived at the British reinforcement camp at Padua; that the military officers were at once sent home, but that the military authorities detained the five merchant ship officers there until 17th November; that the reason given for their detention was that they were waiting for instructions from home as to what was to be done with them; and that they were provided with no money; what was the reason for the detention of these officers, and have instructions been given that should any civilians repatriated from Austria arrive at this camp they shall immediately be sent home?
Mr. HOPE (Lord of the Treasury)I only received notice of this question after the House was actually sitting. All I know is that in consequence of representations made by my hon. and gallant Friend, a telegram on the subject was sent to Lord Cavan yesterday. I fear I have no further information at present.
§ Mr. HOUSTONWill the attention of the Government be specially directed to the terrible condition of prisoners in Germany at the present moment?
Captain WILSONWill the hon. Gentleman give some reply to the final part of the question, that instructions should be given to commandants of camps that any civilian prisoners who happen to arrive there should be immediately sent home?
Captain WILSONWill the War Office see that instructions are immediately sent to the camp commandants?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI will look into this matter, and I think I can inform the House they can rely upon this being done.