§ Sir F. FLANNERYasked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division), as representing the Prisoners of War Fund, if his attention has been called to the frequent robberies of food from parcels sent to British prisoners of war in Germany, the labels and tins only reaching their destination; whether representations through neutral channels will be made with a view to stopping this practice; and whether, if it is continued, corresponding restrictions upon German prisoners in this country will be encouraged?
Mr. J. HOPE:Numerous complaints have been received that articles have been 415W removed from parcels sent to prisoners of war in Germany, and representations have frequently been and still are being made on the subject. It is often difficult to ascertain where the thefts are committed. In some cases where it has been possible to prove that parcels which have unquestionably reached Germany have gone astray the German authorities have offered compensation to the addressees, but the amount so offered has been much below the value of the contents. His Majesty's Government are reluctant to act on the suggestion in the last part of the question, as it would certainly lead to systematic retaliation involving severe hardships.