asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that large numbers of prisoners of war have, within recent weeks, been without any pay; and, in the light of this fact, if he will make a statement.

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will arrange that prisoners of war who cannot work because of ill-health or climatic conditions, do not have their weekly pocket-money substantially reduced; and if more commodities will be made available for them to purchase in the canteens.

I am aware that, in some cases, the recent weather interfered with the work of prisoners of war, and therefore affected their working pay. As was explained in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Cambridge (Mr. Symonds) on 25th February, arrangements to meet such circumstances exist, whereby prisoners of war, who have no credits existing in their pay accounts with which to make canteen purchases, may be issued with items which are essential to the maintenance of health and hygiene. The cost of such issues is recoverable from the prisoners, if and when their accounts are again in credit.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are many cases where German prisoners of war have been unable to send home the miserable pittance which hitherto they have been in a position to do, as the result of this unemployment and no pay?

Will my right hon. Friend call the attention of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the fact that money is being made by him out of this sweated labour?

I feel sure that my right hon. Friend has not missed that observation.

May I ask whether there is any need at all to reduce these very small payments? Why should they be reduced at all?

Because this payment is what prisoners of war are entitled to receive for working.

It is mean to reduce such payments.

Mr. H. D. Hughes:

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many employers of prisoners of war are anxious to pay piece rates in order to get more work out of them?

Piecework rates appear to involve other Departments besides my own. I think that the main thing is to get these prisoners back to their own country.