HC Deb 23 November 1916 vol 87 cc1628-9W
Mr. NEVILLE

asked the Treasurer of the Household whether he is aware that no parcels sent and addressed to British officers and men imprisoned at Yuzgad, in Asia Minor, have yet reached them; and, if so, whether he will ask the American Ambassador at Constantinople to use his friendly offices with the Sublime Porte with a view to procuring or accelerating the delivery of such parcels?

Mr. FORSTER

Very few parcels appear to have reached our prisoners at Yozgad; we have already requested the United States Ambassador at Constantinople to do all he can to expedite the delivery of parcels at this camp.

Mr. J. M. HENDERSON

asked whether any steps have been taken, or will be taken, to exchange British and German prisoners interned in Switzerland, so that such as are incapacitated for military service may be enabled to return to their homes and to civil employment?

Mr. FORSTER

We have made a proposal, which has, we understand, been accepted by the German Government, that British and German prisoners of war who have been transferred to Switzerland shall be repatriated if found totally unfit for military service.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked what is the cost of feeding the German prisoners of war per head; and what is the actual daily money allowance they receive?

Mr. FORSTER

Officers are paid 4s. a day if below the rank of captain and 4s. 6d. a day in other cases, and they pay for their own food. As regards men the cost of feeding is 10½d. a day, and they draw no pay, except working pay when employed.

Mr. JOYNSON-HICKS

asked whether, seeing that the number of German prisoners in this country is increasing so largely and that supplies are getting scarcer, the Government will consider the wisdom of putting the German prisoners here on the same rations as our prisoners in Germany?

Mr. FORSTER

My hon. Friend is under a misapprehension in thinking that the number of German prisoners in this country is increasing largely. With the exception of officers, wounded, and a few others, all prisoners of war captured in France are retained there.