§ Sir HENRY CRAIKasked the Under-Secretary for War what number of prisoners of war have escaped within the last two months from the internment camp 1489W at Dorchester; whether any inquiry has been held as to the circumstances under which these escapes have been effected, and what disciplinary measures have been taken against those responsible for the proper custody of these prisoners; what is the age of the officer commanding the camp; and what are the regulations regarding the wearing of civilian clothes by these prisoners?
§ Mr. TENNANTDuring the period mentioned five prisoners escaped, of whom four up to the present have been apprehended. The circumstances were in each case investigated by a court of inquiry and necessary action was taken. The commandant, who was sixty-one years of age, has resigned his appointment. The regulations as regards dress are that uniform is to be worn until it is no longer wearable, when it is replaced by clothes which, as I have previously stated, are of a distinctive cut. Steps are being taken to make these clothes even more distinctive.