HC Deb 11 March 1941 vol 369 cc1162-3W
Squadron-Leader Hulbert

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied with the treatment being accorded to the small number of British prisoners of war in Italy; and what facilities exist for the despatch of parcels of food and clothing to them?

Captain Margesson

Reports from the protecting Power and the International Red Cross indicate that the treatment accorded to British prisoners of war in Italy is satisfactory. The facilities for the despatch of parcels of food and clothing to them are the same as those for British prisoners of war in Germany.

Squadron-Leader Hulbert

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether the information so far received indicates that Air-Marshal Boyd and other Royal Air Force officers, who are prisoners of war in Italy, are being well cared for and receiving all consideration and proper treatment?

Sir A. Sinclair

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Windsor

asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction among numbers of relatives in this country and the long delay experienced in receiving letters from prisoners of war in Germany; and whether he can make arrangements to expedite mail as many letters take as long as six months to arrive?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

I am aware that letters from prisoners of war in Germany take from six to 10 or 12 weeks to reach this country. I was not aware that many of them-take as long as six months. Every effort is being made to improve this service in both directions, though as my hon. Friend will understand, the matter is not entirely within my control. A major improvement was recently introduced whereby all these letters are to be brought to this country from Lisbon by air.

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