asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will now allow prisoners of war to wear civilian clothes where these are available to them and when they are off duty.

No, Sir. Until these men are released to civilian status or are dis- charged in Germany on repatriation they are military prisoners of war and must wear uniform for reasons of discipline and control.

Will my right hon. Friend at least see that more suits without patches are made available to these men, as they feel it most invidious to have to go around the countryside wearing these beastly patches?

I am afraid that patches are not peculiar to German prisoners of war.

asked the Secretary of State for War why a recent order was made forbidding P.O.W's. to wear any civilian ties, collars, or shirts they might possess; and whether, owing to their desire to look as tidy as possible, he will cancel the instructions issued.

This order was issued to ensure uniformity among prisoners of war, who are subject to military discipline. I see no reason to cancel it.

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this small concession would increase the men's self-respect and improve their morale? Will he look into the matter again?

This is a matter of discipline, and we cannot have them appearing in all kinds of uniform.

How is it that these men were allowed to wear these articles up till quite recently, and that suddenly a ban was put on them, without any real explanation? Why was the ban imposed? Can the right hon. Gentleman answer that?

I certainly cannot answer it, because I am not aware of it.