HC Deb 28 January 1941 vol 368 cc426-7
26. Captain McEwen (for Major-General Sir Alfred Knox)

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has reason to believe that conditions in Oflag VII C/H are worse than in any other camps; and, if so, whether he will make representation to the German Government through the protecting Powers?

Captain Margesson

No, Sir. My information is that the heating, lighting and sanitary conditions at this camp are reasonably satisfactory, and that improvements have recently been made as regards bedding, washing, clothing and welfare.

Captain McEwen

How recent is that information?

Captain Margesson

I must have notice of that Question.

27. Captain McEwen (for Sir A. Knox)

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give, separately, the number of food and clothing parcels despatched by the British Red Cross in each of the months July to December, and the total number of those parcels known to have passed the German frontier in the same period?

Captain Margesson

As the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, circulate a statement in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Following is the statement:

The numbers of food and clothing parcels collected by the General Post Office from the War Organisation of the British Red Cross Society and Order of St. John of Jerusalem in each of the months July to December, 1940, and the numbers of such parcels known to have passed the

— Collected from the War Organisation. Left Geneva for Germany.
Food. Clothing. Total. Food. Clothing. Total.
July … … … 17,839 1,200 19,039 2,749 772 3,521
August … … … 70,306 4,596 74,902 84 12 96
September … … 34,490 2,265 36,755 — — —
October … … 96,098 9,231 105,329 17,464 268 17,732
November … … 122,414 3,487 125,901 15,060 50 15,110
December … … 150,361 2,383 152,744 81,324 20 81,344
Notes:—
The above figures exclude food and clothing sent in bulk.
The difference between the number of parcels shown to have left Geneva in December, namely 81,344, and the figure given on Tuesday last, namely 99,592 (OFFICIAL REPORT, House of Commons—Col. 3), is accounted for by the fact that the latter figure telegraphed from Geneva is now found to have been for the period 27th November to 31st December, and included parcels of books, cigarettes, tobacco and medical comforts.