HC Deb 29 May 1951 vol 488 cc22-3
33. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has any further news of the condition and whereabouts of British Service men taken prisoner in Korea, including those formerly reported missing; what progress has been made in attempting to communicate with them; and whether the Chinese Red Cross Society have now agreed to handle medical supplies, correspondence and food parcels for them.

Mr. Wyatt

I regret that there is no further news of British Service men taken prisoner in Korea. I understand that discussions are continuing between the International Red Cross Committee and the Chinese Red Cross Society.

Mr. Driberg

Can we take it that the War Office does regard this matter as of urgent importance and is pressing on with its inquiry?

Mr. Wyatt

My hon. Friend can certainly take it that we regard it as being of the utmost importance, and any delay is not of course due to ourselves.

Lieut.-Commander Braithwaite

Is the hon. Gentleman satisfied that His Majesty's representative in Peking has proper access to our prisoners?

Mr. Wyatt

At the moment this question refers to Red Cross matters. An official of the International Red Cross Society is now in Peking.

Sir J. Lucas

Has the "Daily Worker" correspondent got no information?