HC Deb 08 June 1943 vol 390 cc527-8
33. Mr. Tinton

asked the Secretary of State for War the monthly amount of the special allowance that is credited to the account in England of a subaltern officer prisoner of war in Italy in respect of the expenses on account of maintenance which have to be met from his pay issued in Italy?

Sir J. Grigg

This is an allowance of 3s. a day, and so for a 30 day month £4 10s. is credited to the officer's account.

Mr. Turtan

Is my right hon. Friend satisfied that this allowance enables a prisoner of war to save for post-war years?

Sir J. Grigg

I am not satisfied in the least that it is sufficient to meet the increased charge which the Italians have imposed on officer prisoners of war, and that is a question which is at present under consideration.

35. Sir A. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for War, in the advance of pay to British officer prisoners of war in Germany and Italy, at what rate to the L are Reichsmarks and lira debited against these officers' accounts in Britain; and whether the rate is considered fair?

Sir J. Grigg

As required by the International Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, rates of exchange have been agreed with the Governments concerned at 15 Reichsmarks to the £ and 72 lire to the £ The answer to the last part of the Question is "Yes, Sir."

Sir A. Knox

Will the right hon. Gentleman state when this statement was made, and also say whether he considers these rates are fair to our people?

Sir J. Grigg

They certainly do not represent what I imagine to be the real comparison of values, but in the case of Italy we have given an extra allowance to compensate for the high cost of Mess- ing there. In Germany there is very little for prisoners of war to spend money upon. There is free messing on both sides there.

Sir A. Knox

If there is nothing for them to spend money on, why should they be debited with large sums?

Sir J. Grigg

If they do not spend the money, they will not be out of pocket.