§ 11. Mr. BETTERTONasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the consideration of cases eligible for demobilsation on compassionate grounds, he will give directions that the claims be considered of those repatriated prisoners of war who have suffered specially harsh treatment or who have been compelled to work immediately behind the enemy lines?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI would refer to the answer given to my hon. Friends the Members for Kettering and Bishop Auckland on the 25th February, to the effect that it would not be right to confer a privilege upon repatriated prisoners of war as against their comrades in the fighting line. It is not possible to appraise the relative sufferings and hazards endured. If men are fit in bodily health they must be treated alike, according to the age and categories prescribed.