§ 29. Mr. John Lewisasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will consider taking immediate steps to alter the present policy of the Government 434 whereby deductions are made from officers' pay based upon allowances made to them while prisoners of war in Japanese hands, particularly having regard to the fact that the balance of Japanese pay left over to them, after the deductions, had to be used to buy additional food in order to keep them alive.
§ Mr. LawsonThe question raised by my hon. Friend is already under examination in the light of the information at present available and that which will be obtained from the prisoners now being released. It raises complicated issues owing to the diversity of practice in the various areas in which prisoners were held.
§ Mr. LewisIs my right hon. Friend aware that the American Government have decided to disregard completely payments received by their men during the time they were in prison in Japanese hands?
§ Mr. LawsonAs I told my hon. Friend, the question is under examination in the light of information at present available. We are also awaiting further information from the prisoners now being released.