HC Deb 12 October 1916 vol 86 cc221-2W
Mr. MALCOLM

asked the Secretary of State for War how many German naval and military prisoners are now in British hands and how many British naval and military prisoners are interned in Germany?

Mr. FORSTER

The number of German prisoners of war in British hands is, according to the latest return:

Military Officers … … 729
Other Ranks … … 36,165
Naval Officers … … 150
Other Ranks … … 1,976
The approximate net number of British prisoners of war now interned in Germany is:
Military Officers … … 923
Other Ranks … … 28,770
Naval Officers … … 47
Other Ranks … … 361

Mr. MALCOLM

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the twelve retired and reserve British officers who have been prisoners in Germany since the outbreak of war and are now interned at Celle are denied the status either of civilians or of officers; that they may not be exchanged as civilians nor present themselves before the Medical Commission for internment in Switzerland as officers; and will he state how it is proposed to deal with these cases, which include six gentlemen over fifty years of age?

Mr. FORSTER

In suggestions put forward to the German Government some time ago for the mutual repatriation of interned civilians over forty-five years of age, it was proposed that retired officers should be considered as civilians for the purpose of repatriation. No reply has yet been received from the German Government.

Mr. BARNES

asked the Secretary of State for War if he can give the number of German prisoners of war captured in the field to date, and how many of them have been put to work; and can he give the number of British prisoners of war captured by the Germans, and how many of such prisoners are employed doing work for Germany?

Mr. FORSTER

I have partially answered this question in a reply I have just given to the Hon. Member for Croydon. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State does not think that it would be desirable to make public the number of prisoners who are engaged on work, but I can communicate the figures privately to my right hon. Friend, if he so desires. The Army Council are not aware as to what proportion of the British prisoners of war in Germany are employed on work.