HC Deb 05 May 1943 vol 389 c176
76. Mr. Lipson

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the information sent to him that certain officers taken prisoners by the Italians in Libya last June when serving in tanks were, at the time of their capture, wearing only tropical shorts and have suffered hardship in consequence; and will he arrange for battledress or uniform and shoes or boots to be supplied to them?

The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Mr. Arthur Henderson)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Abingdon (Sir R. Glyn) on 16th February, of which I am sending him a copy. Adequate supplies of clothing were sent to this camp in November last. Letters written from the camp in January reported the arrival of clothing, but it is not yet known whether all the clothing sent has in fact arrived.

Captain C. S. Taylor

Will the hon. and learned Gentleman consider allowing relatives of these prisoners of war to send uniforms coupon-free if they so desire?

Mr. Henderson

I should require notice of that Question.