§ Mr. R. McNEILLasked the Secretary of State for War whether the rations allowed to 1,500 German prisoners of war in the island of Jersey consists of 1½ lbs. of bread,½lb. of meat,½ lb. of potatoes, together with allowances of tea, coffee, oatmeal, salt, sugar, vegetables (including peas), and margarine per day; how this ration compares with that given to British prisoners of war in Germany; whether he is aware that the German prisoners in Jersey are given practically no work to do, although there is plenty of work to be done in the island in which they might be employed, and that they spend their time bathing and eating; and, having regard to the slavery to which the German authorities have reduced the prisoners in their hands, whether he will direct that a less luxurious diet be allowed to the German prisoners in Jersey, and that they shall be employed in some useful task, instead of enjoying idleness at the expense of the British taxpayer?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe ration quoted by my hon. Friend is that authorised for prisoners of war in this country and is, certainly, more generous than that supplied to prisoners of war in Germany. The Army Council welcome all opportunities for the profitable employment of prisoners of war, but they are not aware that opportunities for such employment exist in Jersey. Further inquiry is, however, being made to see whether the conditions in this respect have recently changed.