asked the Secretary of State for War if he will make arrangements to enable German prisoners to obtain shaving materials, cigarettes, etc., at times when they draw no pay owing to illness or inability to work through no fault of their own.

German prisoners of war who are unable to work are not necessarily without means to make canteen purchases as they may well have credits existing in their pay accounts from previous employment. Those who have no credits available for canteen purchases may be issued with items which are essential to the maintenance of health and hygiene such as shaving materials or tooth paste. The cost of such issues is recoverable from the prisoners if and when their accounts are again in credit. Cigarettes are not issued in such circumstances.