§ Mr. NEIL M'LEANasked the Secretary of Stale for War if he can state the number of German prisoners of war working for wages in this country at the present time; and if he will also state generally the conditions under which these prisoners are employed, and the amount of wages paid?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe number of prisoners of war working for wages in this country is about 62,500. Employers pay the full rates of wages current in the district for civilian labour of a similar class. The prisoners, in accordance with the Hague Convention, actually receive military rates of pay, ranging from ½d. to 2d. per hour, according to the skill and energy they display and the nature of the work on which they are employed. The policy of His Majesty's Government is that these men, except where required for agriculture, shall be transported to France as soon as arrangements can be made.