§ 12. Sir Leonard Lyleasked the Secretary of State for War whether it is possible to arrange for the ribbon of the 1939–43 Star to be sent to the British prisoners of war in European enemy camps who are entitled to wear it, in view of the encouraging effects such action would have upon our men.
§ Sir J. GriggThis matter is under consideration.
§ Mr. ThorneWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of giving a ribbon to all Members of Parliament who have served for 35 years?
§ Sir J. GriggThere can be no possibility, as my hon. Friend will realise, of my taking such action.
14. Miss Wardasked the Secretary of State for War whether all prisoners of war have been treated for purposes of income tax payments as non-resident, and have been given the appropriate reliefs to which they are entitled.
§ The Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr. Assheton)I have been asked to reply. The ordinary rules determining residence apply to members of the Forces, and in particular any member of the Forces who is serving abroad or is a prisoner of war is a non-resident for Income Tax purposes if he is out of the country for the whole of any Income Tax year. Where the Revenue authorities are aware that a prisoner of war is entitled to relief on non-residence or other grounds the relief would automatically be given. As already announced, steps are being taken to give further publicity to the taxation relief to which Service personnel may be entitled and the case of prisoners of war will be specially dealt with.
Miss WardIn view of the very long delays which have occurred in obtaining answers from the Treasury, will not the right hon. Gentleman have the whole matter looked into so that notices can be sent to relatives without further delay?
§ Mr. AsshetonI do not know the cases of delay to which the hon. Member refers. If she will let me have them, I will look into the matter.
Miss WardMay I have an assurance that the emphasis will be laid on the Treasury and not on the individuals who are prisoners of war.
§ Mr. AsshetonThis is a matter for the Board of Inland Revenue and as part of the publicity in regard to prisoners of war it is proposed to furnish the Red Cross Society with a statement for inclusion in the publications issued by the Prisoners of War Department of the Society.
§ Mr. TurtonHave the Army agents now adjusted the accounts of prisoners of war for 1940–1–2?
§ Mr. AsshetonIn all cases where they have the particulars.
Captain DuncanWhat arrangements have the Service Departments with the Treasury to inform them and the Revenue authorities that Servicemen are in fact prisoners of war?
§ Mr. AsshetonI must look into that.