§ 44. Mr. G. Straussasked the Secretary of State for War whether in view of the numerous escapes from the internment camps, he is satisfied with the arrangements for the confinement of German prisoners of war in this country?
§ Sir V. WarrenderThe escapes have in all cases been made by captured merchant seamen who were interned in camps for interned civilians. Weaknesses in the construction of these camps are being remedied. As I stated in answer to a Question by the hon. Member for Cumberland, North (Mr. W. Roberts) on 15th February last, it is intended to have separate camps for merchant seamen.
§ 60. Sir Gifford Foxasked the Secretary of State for War the nature of the rations 21 now supplied to German interned prisoners in this country; and how the quantities of food rationed to the civil population of this country compare with the quantities of the same commodities issued to the prisoners?
§ Sir V. WarrenderInterned German civilians who are rationed in kind are supplied with rations on a scale approved by the medical authorities as suitable for the conditions under which they are living. Butter and bacon are not issued. The sugar ration is at present two ounces a week greater than that of the civil population, but no jam is issued. It is proposed to reduce the sugar ration to the normal level, and to provide jam or syrup. When meat is rationed, the internees will receive 1½ lb. a week each.