§ 67. Sir A. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider refunding the individual credits left in the hands of the senior British officer in prisoner of war camps in Germany to prisoners who have escaped to this country, relying on the statement of the officer concerned, or if considered necessary, on the notification of the amount by the senior British officer through the International Red Cross.
§ Sir J. GriggIn the interests of those who are still prisoners I hope my hon. and gallant Friend will allow me to avoid any 540 public discussion of those who have escaped from the enemy. If he will let me have particulars of the cases he has in mind they will be looked into, and I can assure him that everything will be done which can be, without prejudice to those who are still in enemy hands.
§ Sir A. KnoxSurely there is no danger in giving these people who happen to escape money to which they are entitled? Why should they be deprived of the use of the money during the war?
§ Sir J. GriggThe answer to that question is precisely the reason why I do not want to answer it publicly. I assure my hon. and gallant Friend that it is desirable not to debate this publicly. If he has specific cases in mind I will give him answers about them.