28. Miss Wardasked the Secretary of State for War what financial obligations his Department meets for the British Red Cross Society in connection with their work for prisoners of war?
§ Sir J. GriggA contribution at the rate of £40,000 a year is at present made to 310 the British Red Cross Society towards the administrative costs of their pacel-packing centres for prisoners of war. Approximately the whole of the re-packing of parcels from next-of-kin is also contributed from Army funds. No other direct financial assistance has been given from public funds for the work of the Prisoner of War Department, though certain additional financial obligations have been undertaken should circumstances arise which necessitate such help, and issues of articles of clothing are made in kind, when necessary, to supplement the Red Cross resources.
Miss WardAre the parcels which are now ordered from Canada paid for by the Government, and what indirect charges are borne by the Treasury?
§ Sir J. GriggI do not understand the question. I imagine that the parcels which are ordered from Canada are paid for, in the first instance, by the British Red Cross Society.
§ Sir J. GriggThat is the part which I do not understand; I am sorry.