HC Deb 02 April 1946 vol 421 cc1081-2
13 Winģ-Commander Roland Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for War what action he proposes to take with regard to the cases of officers and men who were reduced in rank through inefficiency or for other reasons following trial by court martial or summary proceedings whilst prisoners of war in Japanese hands.

Mr. Lawson

Men who were reduced in rank following trial by court-martial or summary proceedings while in Japanese hands, will have all trace of the trials erased and their reductions in rank will be void.

Winģ-Commander Robinson

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether that means that men who misbehaved themselves while prisoners of war will have exactly the same chance in the future as the men who behaved themselves well?

Mr. Lawson

The answer says "Men who were reduced in rank following trial by court-martial or summary proceedings."

14. Winģ-Commander Robinson

asked the Secretary of State for War what are the reasons for his decision that all pro- motions of prisoners of war in Japanese hands made by commanding officers should be cancelled; and whether he proposes to take any steps to ensure that those singled out by their commanding officers for good services whilst in captivity should be suitably rewarded.

Mr. Lawson

As regards the first part of the Question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer I gave him on 27th November last. As regards the second part, all recommendations by commanding officers are carefully scrutinised and the names of a large number of ex-prisoners of war are being submitted to His Majesty for appropriate awards. Records of good service as prisoners of war are also noted to the credit of the officer or man concerned.