§ Mr. Thorneasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give any information in connection with Germany cutting down the rations of the British prisoners of war; and whether he intends taking any action in the matter?
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§ Captain MargessonInformation has been received that the scale of rations for British prisoners of war in Germany was altered on 3rd June, 1941, in conformity with an alteration in the scale of the German civilian rations. The figures received indicate a reduction of the meat ration by one-fifth, a slight increase in the fat ration, small decreases in cereals and sugar, and an addition of skimmed milk to the diet. The Prisoners of War Convention provides that the food ration of prisoners of war shall be equivalent in quantity and quality to that of depot troops. No information is at present available as to the present scale of issue to depot troops in Germany, but inquiries are being pursued through the Protecting Power.