§ 33. Sir A. Knoxasked the Postmaster-General whether he will give the number of parcels despatched to British prisoners of war in Germany in the months of August and September, respectively, and the number in each month known to have been received?
§ The Assistant Postmaster-General (Captain Waterhouse)The numbers of parcels despatched from this country to British prisoners of war in Germany in August and September last were 62,560 and 43,529, respectively. Definite proof of their delivery is not yet available.
§ Sir A. KnoxWhen will it be definitely known how many of these parcels have been received? Several prisoners of war have not yet received any parcels.
§ Captain WaterhouseMy hon. and gallant Friend will realise that during June and July it was not possible to send any parcels at all to prisoners of war. It takes two months, and may be three, for a parcel to get to Germany and six weeks for a reply to get back, and we cannot, therefore, hope to get any notification for some little time yet that prisoners have received their parcels.
§ Sir A. KnoxWhat is the organisation? Why does it take so long? Is it not possible to send parcels more quickly than in two months?
§ Captain WaterhouseThe best means of transit are used. The parcels have to pass from Lisbon through Spain, France and Switzerland to Germany, which is a long way.
§ Sir A. KnoxDoes the Red Cross send an employé with each consignment of parcels right through?
§ Captain WaterhouseThese parcels are sent by post.
§ Sir A. KnoxSurely some proper organisation is necessary? Our men are not being sufficiently fed.
§ Captain WaterhouseSo far as the Post Office is concerned, we are doing our best to get parcels through and are losing no opportunity with the Powers concerned to expedite their passage.
§ Sir A. KnoxWill the Postmaster-General consider the possibility of sending someone right through with the parcels?