§ Sir H. ELVERSTONasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that British prisoners of war in Germany have practically no food beyond the supplies sent from this country; if he 1165W will have inquiries instituted as to whether food is now being wasted in the British internment camps; and what is the present daily ration allowed to prisoners of war in those camps?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONThe food supplied in Germany is very low in sustaining qualities and is distasteful to our men, the majority of whom live on supplies sent from this country. Every endeavour is made to check waste in British internment camps, and all byproducts are used. The present ration hardly permits of waste. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT details of the ration.
The following are the details referred to: Rations for Prisoners of War. Bread 9 ozs. Broken biscuit 4 ozs. Meat (five days a week; pickled beef will be issued on one of these days) 6 ozs. Salt-cured herrings (two days a week) 10 ozs. Tea ¼ oz. or Coffee ½ oz. Sugar 1 oz. Salt ½ oz. Potatoes 20 ozs. Other fresh vegetables 4 ozs. Split peas or beans 2 ozs. Rice 1 oz. Margarine 1 oz. Oatmeal (if full ration be not obtainable, an equal quantity of rice may be issued in lieu) 1 oz. Jam 1 oz. Cheese 2 ozs. Pepper 1/72 oz. Maize meal ½ oz. When men are not employed on work, the following deductions will be made, unless the medical officer advises to the contrary in any particular case:
Bread 4 ozs. Oatmeal or rice 1 oz. Cheese 1 oz. Maize meal ½ oz.