HC Deb 17 December 1946 vol 431 c1758
23. Mr. Attewell

asked the Secretary of State for War why it is impossible to grant extra rations for the Christmas period to German prisoners of war in this country.

Mr. Bellenger

The food situation in this country has permitted my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food to make only very limited additions to the rations of the people of this country at this time. In these circumstances it is not considered either desirable or possible to increase the rations of prisoners of war who are adequately fed. I would add that no extra rations are given to British troops for Christmas.

Mr. Attewell

Is the Minister aware that these men are prisoners, that we are responsible for them, that they are working on the land, and. therefore, we are responsible for their feeding?

Mr. Stokes

In view of the fact that my right hon. Friend will not permit extra rations, will he make quite sure that the commandants do not arbitrarily stop parcels sent to prisoners as is mentioned in a Question later on the Order Paper?

Mr. Bellenger

The point is not that I will not, but that I cannot.