§ 53. Captain Francis Noel-Bakerasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he is aware that 50,000 security suspects in civilian internment camps in the British zone in Germany are living in conditions similar to those in Nazi concentration camps at the end of the war; that their rations are so low that they are often brought up for trial in a state of starvation; that they are not permitted to receive letters or parcels from relatives; that their treatment has provoked protests from British Servicemen and medical officers; and what action he will take.
§ Mr. J. HyndThese civilian internees receive the same basic food ration as the ordinary German. Unlike the latter, however, they are unable to supplement this from any other sources. This involves a measure of hardship but steps have already been taken to see how this can be remedied although further deterioration in the general food situation is likely now to necessitate serious reduction in the basic ration throughout the zone. A special postcard and parcel service has recently been introduced to enable these civilian internees to correspond with their next of kin in the British, French or American zones of Germany.
§ Captain Noel-BakerWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that although a number of these people have been connected with the Nazi party, they have not yet been tried and that many may be the innocent victims of irresponsible denunciation? Further, is he aware that, in general, the conditions in these camps are so like those in the Nazi concentration camps at the end of the war, that they have provoked repeated protests from Service men and women? Will he look into the question again?
§ Mr. HyndMy hon. and gallant Friend will realise that conditions in all camps in Germany are necessarily governed by the resources available, and that the present-day situation is not very hopeful. But within the limits of these resources we are looking into the matter, with a view to making improvements as soon as possible.
§ Captain Noel-BakerWill my hon. Friend bear in mind that comments in the courts when suspects are being tried show that the re-education value of the trials is largely lost, because men are brought into court in a state of starvation and are not fit to plead?