asked the Secretary of State for War, what proportion of the £4 10s. per week paid by farmers for prisoners of war doing agricultural work, of which £1 10s. is deducted for board and lodgings when billeted, is paid to the prisoners of war; and how the balance is disposed of.

As stated in the answer to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Dumbartonshire (Mr. McKinlay) on 24th June last, the pay received by prisoners of war is determined by their status as prisoners of war and not by reference to the charges made for their services. All pay issued to them is paid from Army Funds, and the net receipts in respect of their services accrue to Army Funds, which incur heavy expenditure in administration and maintenance of prisoners of war generally.

I know, but what are they paid?

The question does not ask me what they are actually paid, but what proportion of the amounts paid for their services is handed over to them. I am afraid I cannot say.

May I ask why?

Would the right hon. Gentleman have a look at the quality of the cigarettes issued as a bonus to prisoners of war. I was given a packet and they seemed to me to be inferior to horse manure, and non-smokable?

If I put down another Question will my right hon. Friend tell us what are the amounts and rates paid to the individual prisoner of war for work done?

If my hon. Friend puts down a specific Question I will do my best to give him an answer.