HC Deb 12 February 1947 vol 433 cc356-7
34. Mr. Mikardo

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster why detainees in internment camps in the British zone of Germany, including persons under the automatic arrest category, are receiving rations at a higher scale than the civilian population.

Mr. J. Hynd

Except for hospital cases, internees have a common ration standard; in other words the rations are pooled. Accordingly, no one gets so little as the normal consumer ration and no one gets the full ration to which he would be entitled as a worker.

Mr. Stokes

Does my hon. Friend consider it fair that these rations should have been reduced to the German civilian level? Displaced persons are entitled to a full ration, and not to 1,550 calories, otherwise it is exercising economic pressure on them.

Mr. Hynd

I am afraid my hon. Friend has mistaken the Question and answer.

Mr. Mikardo

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Question refers to Nazi detainees, principally S.S. men, and is supported by evidence from British officers? Will he have a look at that evidence if I supply it to him, from which he. will see that transport was sent long distances to feed these Nazis while the civilian population was starving.

Mr. Hynd

Of course I will look at any evidence my hon. Friend sends, but these rations were decided on the recommendation of nutritional experts.