§ 24. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in the light of representations since made to him, he will reconsider his recent decision in regard to the suggestion of the hon Member for Bedford that German prisoners of war should, where invited to do so. be allowed to enter British homes on Christmas day.
§ 27. Mr. Attewellasked the Secretary of State for War if he will now allow German prisoners of war at present in camps in this country to accept invitations during the Christmas period to visit homes of those living near the camps.
§ 88. Mr. Leslie Haleasked the Secretary of State for War what relaxation is being made this Christmas time in the rules relating to fraternisation with prisoners of war in this country.
§ Mr. BellengerArrangements are being made to allow well-conducted prisoners of war to take unescorted walks within a radius of five miles of their camp or 968 billet until lighting-up time, to converse with members of the public, and, subject to permission from their commandant, to accept invitations to private houses within the five mile radius.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is most gratifying to find that he has so well caught, in advance, the spirit of Christmas?
§ Mr. StokesMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if we are to understand that these arrangements apply only to Christmas? Or are they to be continued after Christmas, and is this a new arrangement, a step towards the end of non-fraternisation?
§ Mr. BellengerIt deals not only with Christmas time, but after Christmas. I think those hon. Gentlemen who have a sense of proportion will admit that this is a considerable advance.
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonAs there are many cases of farmers who have had prisoners of war who have worked well for them and who are outside the five mile limit, will that limit be relaxed in those cases?
§ Mr. BellengerThat is just why I have come to this decision; many prisoners billeted on farms have had these facilities for some time.