§ 27. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Prime Minister if he will state how many Russians are held prisoners, or interned, in this country and by His Majesty's forces abroad, respectively; what steps are being taken to release these men; and, in the case of those men who have dependants in this country, is anything being done to assist those dependants?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo Russians are interned in this country. No Russians are imprisoned in this country, except persons who have been convicted and 870 sentenced to imprisonment for criminal offences against the ordinary law, or are awaiting trial for such offences; persons ordered to be deported and awaiting removal to Russia.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the first part of my question as to how many Russians are held prisoners by His Majesty's Forces abroad?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not aware that we have any Russian prisoners abroad?
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs it not a fact that you include among those who are awaiting deportation some prisoners taken by our troops in Russia?
Mr. PALMERMay I ask whether the question of British prisoners in Russia is not of much more concern to us?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI agree, and we are doing our very best to get them out.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I am the first hon. Member who raised the question of these prisoners? [HON. MEMBERS: "Oh, oh!'] Is he aware that I moved the adjournment to draw attention to the prisoners held in Petrograd?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI hope the hon. and gallant Gentleman will give us assistance in quarters where he has influence?
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYYes, I have done.