HC Deb 29 February 1944 vol 397 c1243
45. Mr. Hutchinson

asked the Prime Minister whether, in order to relieve the anxiety of relatives of prisoners of war at present aroused by the division of responsibility for matters affecting prisoners of war between several Departments, he will arrange for a single Minister to be entrusted with responsibility for the welfare of prisoners and for co-ordinating the activities of all Departments and organizations concerned with their interests.

The Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

I would refer my hon. and learned Friend to the answer which I gave on 30th November last in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Nuneaton (Mr. Bowles).

Sir Irvinģ Albery

Have the Government considered the desirability of putting this administration under the Ministry of Pensions?

Mr. Attlee

As at present advised, we consider the present arrangements are the most satisfactory.

Mr. Hutchinson

Will the right hon. Gentleman take into account the fact that the responsibility is at present divided between four Departments; and does he not consider that likely to arouse apprehension in the minds of the relatives, because there is sometimes overlapping?

Mr. Attlee

That seems to be a repetition of the original Question.

58. Mr. Bartlett

asked the Postmaster-General whether family photographs may now be sent to prisoners of war in Japanese hands.

The Assistant Postmaster-General (Mr. Robert Grimston)

There is no objection so far as British censorship is concerned to unmounted personal photographs being enclosed in letters to prisoners of war and civilian internees in Japanese hands. Such slight information as I have suggests that photographs will not be stopped by the Japanese. I am endeavouring to obtain confirmation on this point.