HC Deb 25 July 1918 vol 108 cc2012-3W
Colonel YATE

asked the hon. Member for Sheffield (Central Division) whether he can state, or will ascertain by telegraph, if money allowances are actually being paid by the Dutch Minister at Constantinople to all British and Indian prisoners in Turkey, and what the amount is for each camp; and whether His Majesty's Government considers the amount adequate, in view of the evidence in its possession as to the rise of prices in Turkey?

Sir E. HUME-WILLIAMS

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the maximum allowance which the Netherlands Minister at Constantinople is permitted by His Majesty's Government to pay to British officers in Turkey is £T18; whether the War Office or the Prisoners of War Department at the House of Lords has received evidence that the cost of living at certain towns in Turkey in which prisoners are interned is much in excess of this sum; and, if so, whether the maximum will be increased?

Mr. HOPE

The relief allowances authorised by His Majesty's Government are being paid by the Netherland Minister at Constantinople to all British and Indian prisoners in Turkey, subject always to the difficulties attending all communications in that country. His Majesty's Government consider that the Netherlands Minister must be best able to judge of the amounts required in the several localities, having regard to the state of prices and other considerations. He has reported having fixed the following rates at certain of the camps, and inquiry has been made by telegraph as to whether rates have been fixed at any further camps since the date of his Report.

Constantinople.
European officers £T 18
European soldiers £T 6
Indian soldiers £T 3
Broussa.
European officers £T 18
Indian officers £T 10
European soldiers £T 6
Indian soldiers £T 4
Afion Kara Hissar.
European officers £T 15
Indian officers £T 10
European soldiers £T 6
Indian soldiers £T 4
Yozgad.
European officers £T 10
European soldiers £T 6
Kedos.
European officers £T 7
Indian officers £T 5
European soldiers £T 4
Indian soldiers £T 3
Konia.
1 European officer £T 10
Indian officers £T 5

His attention has also been drawn to the complaints of high prices received from one of the camps, and inquiry has been made whether his information confirms this and would justify an increase in the rate of allowance fixed.