§ 22. Sir Frank Sandersonasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the British Red Cross 23 Prisoners of War Fund, which provides parcels of essential commodities such as razor blades, soap, socks, foodstuffs, etc., now find themselves in debt to the extent of about £500,000; and, to avoid our prisoners being dependent upon charity for their essential requirements and in order to make them a first charge on the nation, he will consult with the Treasury with a view to the cost incurred being a direct charge on the National Exchequer in place of being left to charity?
§ Sir J. GriggNo, Sir. My hon. Friend is misinformed as to the financial position of the War Organisation of the British Red Cross and Order of St. John, which, thanks to the continuing generosity of the public, is well able to meet all its liabilities.
§ Sir F. SandersonCan my right hon. Friend give an assurance that prisoners of war will not suffer loss of parcels through lack of funds?
§ Sir J. GriggI can give a categorical pledge in answer to that question.
§ 23. Mr. Tinkerasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the feeling prevailing among the relatives of those serving men who were at Singapore; and will he give an assurance to them that they will be notified immediately word comes to the War Office of what has happened to them?
§ 20. Mr. Hutchinsonasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the continued anxiety felt by relatives of British officers and other ranks known to be missing in Malaya and Singapore, he can say what further information is now being supplied by the Japanese Government, through the Red Cross Society or otherwise, with regard to the British prisoners of war in their hands?
§ Sir J. GriggThe Japanese have sent at intervals a few lists of names of those captured in Malaya and Singapore. The total so far received is only a small proportion of the total number captured. The lists come by short wave wireless from Tokyo to the International Red Cross. Committee at Geneva and from there are telegraphed to London. I am well aware of the anxiety felt and gladly give an assurance that next-of-kin are notified as soon as we have information.
§ 26. Sir A. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for War whether the time spent as prisoners of war qualifies officers for promotion to a higher rank?
§ Sir J. GriggWhere promotion is governed by time, time spent by an officer as a prisoner of war reckons for promotion as though he had been effective with his unit.