§ 3. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now allow prisoners of war to wear civilian clothes where these are available to them and when they are off duty.
§ Mr. ShinwellNo, Sir. Until these men are released to civilian status or are dis- 1486 charged in Germany on repatriation they are military prisoners of war and must wear uniform for reasons of discipline and control.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeWill my right hon. Friend at least see that more suits without patches are made available to these men, as they feel it most invidious to have to go around the countryside wearing these beastly patches?
§ Mr. ShinwellI am afraid that patches are not peculiar to German prisoners of war.
§ 7. Mr. Skeffington-Lodgeasked the Secretary of State for War why a recent order was made forbidding P.O.W's. to wear any civilian ties, collars, or shirts they might possess; and whether, owing to their desire to look as tidy as possible, he will cancel the instructions issued.
§ Mr. ShinwellThis order was issued to ensure uniformity among prisoners of war, who are subject to military discipline. I see no reason to cancel it.
§ Mr. LipsonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this small concession would increase the men's self-respect and improve their morale? Will he look into the matter again?
§ Mr. ShinwellThis is a matter of discipline, and we cannot have them appearing in all kinds of uniform.
§ Mr. Skeffington-LodgeHow is it that these men were allowed to wear these articles up till quite recently, and that suddenly a ban was put on them, without any real explanation? Why was the ban imposed? Can the right hon. Gentleman answer that?
§ Mr. ShinwellI certainly cannot answer it, because I am not aware of it.