§ Colonel YATEasked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) whether I he Government I/as any information as to any recent change in the German regulations as to the delivery to British prisoners of war of tins of food contained in parcels; whether these regulations prevent the delivery to the prisoners of such tins; if not, under what conditions are they given to the prisoners; what arrangements are made for delivery of parcels containing tins to prisoners in working camps; and what steps the Government are taking in the matter?
Mr. J. HOPEIt appears that the German regulations for the censorship of tins are local regulations and vary considerably. In some cases, such as Wittenberg and Merseburg Camps, the arrangements are very unsatisfactory both as regards the parent and working camps, and the same is said to be the case at Gustrow. It appears that in all camps the tins are removed from the parcels and that the contents only are handed out subsequently, in most cases as required by the prisoners to whom they belong. Where the tins for prisoners at working camps are censored at those camps, there seems to be no substantial cause for complaint; where, as sometimes happens, they are censored at the parent camps, the contents are, of course, usually spoiled before they reach the prisoners. As the actual tins are not delivered to the prisoners, there is a good deal of justifiable complaint that no proper receptacles are available in which to remove the contents. With412W regard to the last part of the question, telegraphic inquiries were made on 14th May and on a number of subsequent dates with a view to ascertaining the German regulations respecting the disposal of tinned stuff sent to British prisoners of war in Germany. No reply has so far been received. The question is to be discussed at the Conference now sitting at The Hague to consider certain questions affecting British and German prisoners of war.