§ Mr. BOWERMANasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he can state how many prisoners of war are interned at the aliens camps at Knockaloe, Peel, Isle of Man, and at Douglas, Isle of Man, respectively; what was the cost of fitting out and furnishing each camp; how much money is allowed to feed each man; whether any clothes or boots have been given to the men and, if so, the cost for each camp; and what is the expense of administration of each camp, including the salaries of the staff employed?
§ Mr. McKENNAThere are at the present time 2,578 Germans interned at Knockaloe Camp, and 2,449 at Douglas Camp. Accommodation for a further 2,500 is being provided at Knockaloe. The Isle of Man Government is in charge of both camps, and reports that the cost of fitting them out, including huts, lighting, furniture and stores will be, when both camps are completed, about £28,000. The greater part of this sum will have been expended at Knockaloe, as a holiday camp which was already in existence at Douglas was placed at the disposal of the Island1264W Government, and has been adapted for the present purpose at comparatively little cost. The Island Government states that the cost of the food for the men, together with the cost of clothing and boots, and the expenses of administration, is covered by the weekly allowance of 10s. per man which is made to them by the Home Government. I hope that in the present pressure of work my hon. Friend will not ask for further particulars, the collection of which would involve considerable labour.