HC Deb 06 February 1945 vol 407 cc1886-7
42. Mr. R. C. Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can state the number of officers and other ranks reported missing on the Italian front during 1944, concerning whom no further information has been obtained; and, in view of the anxiety of their relatives, whether further steps are being taken to ascertain whether they are in prisoner-of-war camps, or hospitals, or in hiding.

Sir J. Grigg

The answer to the first part of the Question is approximately 600. As regards the second part, I have every sympathy with the anxiety of the relatives of missing men. When a man is reported missing, his next-of-kin is sent a leaflet explaining the steps that are taken to trace him. The fact that no information may be received for a long time does not mean that there is any remission of the efforts to trace missing men. Inquiries are made among those who were serving with the missing man and also through diplomatic channels, the International Red Cross Committee at Geneva, and all other possible sources of information.