asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will do all in his power to obtain permission for a mission from the International Red Cross to visit the camps for German prisoners of war in Russia, and equally to obtain permission for a similar mission to visit the camps for Russian prisoners of war in Germany?

His Majesty's Government for their part are deeply grateful for the good work done by the International Red Cross Committee for British prisoners of war. The Question raised by my hon. and gallant Friend is, however, one for the Governments concerned to decide, and there is no reason to think that they are not already aware of the various considerations involved.

Is it not true that the Germans are particularly anxious for an International Red Cross mission to go to Russia to visit the camps for German prisoners there, and will my right hon. Friend use that as a bargaining counter in order to get permission for the International Red Cross to send a similar mission to Germany to inquire about the camps for Russian and Polish prisoners there?

This must be a matter, in the first instance, for the two Governments mainly concerned.

Is not a representative of the International Red Cross, Dr. Burkhardt, coming to England to inquire into this matter, and will my right hon. Friend give him every assistance and seek to secure permission for a similar mission to visit Germany?

Dr. Burkhardt is coming here in connection with the position of our own prisoners in Germany and German prisoners here. The other question which my hon. and gallant Friend raises concerns another country which must make its own decision in the matter.

Can the Germans be trusted in anything at the present time?

No, Sir.