§ Lieut.-Commander Tufnellasked the Secretary of State for War whether arrangements are being made for the inspection of Camp Offlag VI B, where the conditions are very bad, with a view to 1915W some improvement being affected; and whether, in view of the danger of the outbreak of an epidemic, of typhus or some similar disease, as a result of the bad conditions, he will consider sending supplies of anti-typhus serum to the camp?
§ Captain MargessonThis camp has been visited four times since October by either the International Red Cross Committee or the protecting Power. The most recent visit was by the protecting Power or; the 20th January, but a report on this visit has not yet been received. A certain amount of improvement in the conditions at Oflag VI B has, however, certainly taken place during this period; in particular brick huts are being built for the accommodation of prisoners and overcrowding has been reduced by moving a number of officers to other camps. Medical supplies for the prevention and treatment of typhus have already been sent to Oflag VI B by the British Red Cross and some typhus vaccine has been sent to the International Red Cross Committee for the inoculation of British medical personnel in those camps where the International Red Cross Committee consider it necessary. In addition the protecting Power has reported that a formal assurance has been given by the responsible official of the German General Staff that all measures for preventing the spread of the typhus epidemic have been taken.
§ Sir W. Smithersasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to a case, details of which have been sent to him, in which German officer prisoners of war have been buying lamb's wool socks and have been allowed other privileges; and will he take the necessary steps to prevent a recurrence?
§ Captain MargessonI understand that the case to which my hon. Friend refers concerned a German medical officer, who would fall within the category of protected personnel. German protected personnel are entitled to receive the full pay of their equivalent rank in the British Forces and to take exercise under escort outside the confines of their camp. They are, however, not permitted to enter any house or shop or to make purchases except at the camp canteen. I have not yet received a full report on the particular case, but as soon as I do I will communicate with my hon. Friend.