HC Deb 21 August 1916 vol 85 cc2292-3W
Mr. LEICESTER HARMSWORTH

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the number and quality of gifts of food from Germany to German prisoners in this country has increased, remained stationary, or declined recently; and n in the last case he has any official information showing that such decline represents decreased purchasing power and food supplies in Germany?

Mr. FORSTER

To obtain statistics on which to base an authoritative answer to this question would be a lengthy proceeding; but those who are in a position to form an opinion and whom there has been time to consult consider that while the number of food parcels from Germany has been fairly constant, the contents have distinctly fallen off lately, especially as regards sausages, bread and fats. There is no official information to account for this.