HC Deb 01 December 1943 vol 395 cc336-7
9. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any steps are taken to supplement the rations of British civilian prisoners of war in Germany and France; and whether he can state the nature of the normal daily diet of these persons?

Mr. George Hall

For a long time past the rations of the British civilian internees in Germany and German occupied France have been supplemented by Red Cross parcels of which the value is universally recognised. It is not possible to give the normal daily rations of the internees as this necessarily varies in different camps, but they are usually the same as those of the civil population.

Sir T. Moore

In view of the complaints reaching this country with regard to these rations, is my right hon. Friend satisfied that they are at any rate sufficient to maintain health at a reasonable standard?

Mr. Hall

I can say that recently there has been an improvement and we are now inclined to think that in the circumstances, in view of the fact that parcels are received fairly regularly, things are not too bad.