§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSasked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) whether he is aware that English officers, including one holding the Victoria Cross, are now being confined at Crefeld in separate cells, measuring 6 feet by 9 feet, for periods of solitary confinement extending to five months, as reprisals for alleged similar treatment of German officers in England; whether there is any such treatment of German officers; and whether the Government is taking steps to bring this treatment to the notice of the Dutch authorities?
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Mr. J. HOPECertain English officers were lately confined at Crefeld in separate cells, though I am not aware of the exact size of the latter. Such treatment is not justified by any punishment imposed on German officers in this country. The camp at Crefeld has been broken up, but we have no information at the moment as to whether the officers undergoing punishment have been removed, or, if so, whether their treatment remains the same.
§ Mr. BUTCHERasked whether it is proposed that the families of officer prisoners of war shall be deprived of the privilege of sending parcels to their imprisoned relatives; and, if so, what is the reason for this change?
Mr. HOPEI am informed that it has been decided that the conditions as to the number and weight of parcels of foodstuffs, medical comforts, drugs, and wine sent to officer prisoners of war should be assimilated to those under which parcels may be sent to other ranks. It is hoped that details of the new arrangements will be published shortly.