§ 30. Major Keatingeasked the Secretary of State for War to what extent delivery of Red Cross parcels to British prisoners of war has been held up by the disruption of the German transport system.
§ Sir J. GriggIn view of the supplies of parcels reaching Geneva, the resumption of the full issue of one parcel a week to each man was authorized late in December. The despatch of parcels to individual camps may from time to time be interrupted for a variety of reasons, of which one is the disruption of the German transport system.
§ Major KeatingeWill the right hon. Gentleman consider making a statement to the effect that non-delivery is not the fault of the British Red Cross, because that view is being held by quite a number of people?
§ Sir J. GriggI am very surprised to hear that. I know that, several years ago, there was a general complaint against the Red Cross for events that were not in their control at all, but, personally, I have not heard a single suggestion for years that the Red Cross were not doing other than the most marvellous work in this respect.
§ Captain McEwenCan the right hon. Gentleman say for how long the interruption of delivery lasted?
§ Sir J. GriggI cannot say off-hand how long the reduction to one parcel a fortnight was in force—a few months, so far as I remember.