HC Deb 11 November 1943 vol 393 cc1308-9W
Sir A. Knox

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will ascertain as soon as possible, through the Protecting Power, the camps in Germany to which prisoners moved from Italy have been sent, in order that these men may be supplied with warm clothing, since they were forced to leave most of their kit behind in Italy?

Mr. A. Henderson

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given to him by my right hon. Friend on 2nd November. Both the Protecting Power and the International Red Cross Committee are obtaining all relevant information about the prisoners transferred from Italy as soon as possible and the International Red Cross Committee are taking the necessary action to despatch all necessary supplies, including clothing and underclothing.

Sir L. Lyle

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will expedite the replacement of the 11,000 parcels which were lost on the Portuguese steamer "Padua," so that our prisoners of war may not suffer by their deprivation?

Sir J. Grigg

I am happy to say that owing to the reserve of food parcels established by the foresight of the British Red Cross at Geneva our prisoners of war will not suffer in this respect from the regrettable loss of this ship. Steps have already been taken to charter other tonnage for carrying parcels for prisoners of war between Lisbon and Marseilles. This will compensate for the loss of the "Padua."