§ 16. Mr. HOPKINSasked if prisoners of war in Turkey had deductions from their pay to cover the advances made by the 1834 Turkish Government worked out at the rate of about 147 piastres per £; if money remitted to these prisoners was paid them at the rate of 125 piastres to the £; if the current rate of exchange during the period was between 400 and 500 piastres per £; and, if the facts are as suggested, what steps does he propose to take?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe rate at which deductions were made from the pay of these officer prisoners of war was fixed monthly by the Treasury and was based on the rate at which the Treasury were able to remit funds to Constantinople. This rate was about 147 piastres to the £. I have no knowledge of any rate of 125 piastres to the £. As regards the hon. Member's suggestion that during the period 400 to 500 piastres were obtainable for the £, I think this can only refer to the local exchange value of the pound sterling and not to the rate at which funds could he remitted to Constantinople.
§ Mr. HOPKINSDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think it is the duty of the Government to protect these officers?
§ Mr. FORSTERCertainly. I will look further into the matter, but it appears to me logical that as the money in question was really in advance of pay the logical rate would be the rate at which the Treasury is able to remit funds to Constantinople.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERIs not the logical principle not to deduct more than the ordinary rate of exchange?
§ Mr. FORSTERIt is the ordinary rate of exchange.
§ Lieutenant-Colonel Sir J. NORTON GRIFFITHSWhy should the officers suffer if the exchange is against them?
§ Mr. FORSTERThere is a great difference between the rate at which the Treasury is able to remit, that is the ordinary rate, and the local rate which anybody who has a sovereign or a gold piece is able to obtain for it.