HC Deb 11 June 1940 vol 361 cc1113-4
22. Mr. Palmer

asked the Secretary of State for War how the standard of food ration applied to aliens interned in the Isle of Man compares with that in force for the civilian population in this country?

The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Mr. Richard Law)

Male internees in the Isle of Man, for the custody of whom the War Office is responsible, are being fed under arrangements made by the Isle of Man Government. Final arrangements have not yet been made, but it is intended that these internees should be fed on a scale comparable with that given to internees in the United Kingdom. This scale includes meat and sugar in quantities corresponding to the ordinary civilian ration. It does not include butter and bacon.

Sir Joseph Lamb

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us whether there is any possibility of these people being asked to pay for their rations when they can afford it?

Mr. Law

I think that is not a matter for the War Department, but I will look into it.

Mr. Palmer

Do I understand from the reply that butter and bacon are not rationed at all?

Mr. Law

No, my hon. Friend misunderstands me. Butter and bacon are not included in the rations, that is to say, they are not available.

Sir J. Lamb

Will the hon. Member see that the question of obtaining payment is given full consideration? There is a great deal of feeling about it in the country.

Mr. Levy

Can my hon. Friend say why the question of payment by these people is not a matter for the War Office, and, if it is not, who is responsible?

Mr. Law

My impression is, as I said, that it is not a matter for the War Office, but I will look into it.

Miss Rathbone

Is it not the case that the majority of the internees are clamouring for the opportunity of working and that such opportunities are still denied?