HC Deb 29 May 1951 vol 488 c25
42 and 43. Brigadier Medlicott

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) how many officers and men who were prisoners of war in Japanese hands during the last war have now been called-up or warned for calling-up as Class Z reservists;

(2) how many officers and men who were prisoners in Japanese hands in the late war are now serving in Korea and Malaya.

Mr. Wyatt

I regret that this information is not readily available.

Brigadier Medlicott

Is it not a fact that a considerable number of men who were in Japanese prisoner of war camps are, in fact, now in Korea or are liable to be called up? Surely, having regard to the immense range from which the Government could have selected the Class Z reservists, it is grossly unfair to cast that burden on men who have suffered so much?

Mr. Wyatt

The only test we can make of a man's medical fitness is by examination by a medical board.