§ Mr. W. THORNEasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that on Saturday, 1st July, on the ship that left Havre loaded with German prisoners there were about twelve of our own soldiers on the same boat coming home on leave; that on the morning of 1879W 2nd July the whole of the German prisoners had breakfast served to them, but that no breakfast was served out to our soldiers, although they had just come out of the trenches; and can he give any reason for such treatment being inflicted on our soldiers?
§ Mr. FORSTERThis question is, I think, based on a want of understanding of the system followed. Rations are not placed on board the ships plying between Havre and Southampton for men going on furlough, because they either draw their rations for the journey, or receive an allowance instead and find their own food. In most cases the allowance is issued. In the case of German prisoners of war rations are placed on board sufficient to last the men for the journey and until midnight on the day of disembarkation—that is, until they have reached their place of internment. If I have correctly identified the ship which my hon. Friend has in mind, there were 120 furlough men on board. No complaint was made on the arrival of the ship, and if twelve of the furlough men had no breakfast it was, I fear, their own fault, for not having provided themselves with rations. I may add that the system, followed is well established and well known.