§ 57. Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyreasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, as a result of the representations made to him by the Service Departments, he is now prepared to make a statement on the refund of moneys to officers and other ranks of sums expended in prison camps for escapist and other Service activities.
§ Mr. DaltonThis matter is still under consideration.
§ Colonel Crosthwaite-EyreIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this matter was referred to the Treasury at least as early as February, and probably earlier? Is it not time the Government made up their minds on such questions as, for example, that of the hardships of a great number of people, particularly the dependants of the 50 officers of Stalag Luft III who have suffered great hardship? Is it not time that the Government decided that money spent on intelligence and escapist activities should now be refunded to dependants of Servicemen?
§ Mr. DaltonI am very sympathetic to the initial claim that was made in the matter, but, as frequently happens, when one shows a disposition to meet an initial claim, other claims are raised from other quarters, and it is this that is delaying us now.