§ Colonel IVOR PHILIPPSasked the President of the Board of Trade whether his Department have approved of blankets, souks, and warm underclothing, other than the regulation issues, being sent to British prisoners of war in Germany; and, if so, whether the Central Prisoners of War Committee have been so informed?
The following questions also stood in the name of the hon. and gallant Member: To ask the Treasurer of the Household whether he is aware that complaints are being received from British prisoners of war in Germany that they are suffering much from the cold and are very short of blankets; and what steps, if any, are being taken to supply them?
To ask the Postmaster-General whether any orders have been issued by his Department to the parcel post censors to allow the dispatch of blankets, socks, and warm underclothing other than the regulation issues to British prisoners of war in Germany; and, if not, whether he will consider the desirability of allowing the dispatch of such articles by friends or relations, if necessary, under the authority of the Central Prisoners of War Committee, as complaints are being received that the men are suffering much from the cold?
Mr. J. HOPEI have been asked to answer this question, and I will answer at the same time Questions Nos. 96 and 97, also in the name of the hon. and gallant Member. I understand that some requests have been received from prisoners of war in Germany for more blankets, socks, and underclothing. Blankets are supplied to prisoners by the German Government, and blankets are not, under the Regulations approved by the Government, sent to Germany. Socks and warm underclothing are sent to the prisoners. My hon. and gallant Friend will appreciate the necessity of not permitting the uncontrolled dispatch to Germany, and into German hands, of woollen articles, of which there is a great scarcity in that country; but I can assure him that, subject to this admittedly paramount consideration being kept in view, everything possible will be done to give adequate relief to the prisoners of war in that country.