§ 5. Sir A. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give the content of the food parcels being consigned from America to Lisbon for our prisoners of war; and whether these are properly cased to prevent deterioration owing to possible congestion and lack of storage accommodation at Lisbon?
§ Sir J. GriggI have no knowledge of the contents or packing of food parcels from the United States for British prisoners of war. The American Red Cross send a limited number of parcels to the International Red Cross for distribution to prisoners and some of these may occasionally go to British prisoners, but they do not pass through the hands of the British Red Cross at any point. If my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind parcels from the Canadian Red Cross, I have every reason to believe that they are in every way as satisfactory as those despatched by the British Red Cross Society from this country. If he has any information suggesting the contrary, perhaps he will let me have it and I will make inquiries.
§ Sir H. WilliamsMay I ask whether food parcels are sent from this country to prisoners of war?
§ Sir J. GriggYes, Sir, certainly.
§ Sir H. WilliamsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I inquired of the Ministry of Food yesterday, and they said they were not?
§ Sir J. GriggPerhaps the hon. Member will write to me about that.