73. Mr. Skeffinģton-Lodģeasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the inadequacy of the rations of many prisoners of war on the land; and whether, out of consideration for those farmer's wives who are supplementing these rations and in the interest of good work, he will make more satisfactory arrangements.
The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Mr. Bellenģer)I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply my 1794 right hon. Friend gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Penrith and Cockermouth (Lieut.-Colonel Dower) on 21st August, 1945. As my right hon. Friend stated in that reply, on the recommendation of the Ministry of Agriculture, prisoners of war employed for very long hours on harvest work are provided with additional quantities of foodstuffs, including sugar, margarine, cheese and preserves, so as to secure the maximum output in this vital work. In present circumstances my right hon. Friend is unable to consider any further increase of their rations.