§ 48. Mr. Dribergasked the Prime Minister if he will make a statement on the Korea gratuity announced by the former Minister of Defence; whether this gratuity has now been paid to all members of His Majesty's Forces who have left the Korean theatre, and to the relatives of those killed; and if he will consider paying some portion of it forthwith to the relatives of those taken prisoner.
§ The Prime MinisterDetailed instructions regarding the Korea gratuity have now been issued by all three Services, and payment to men who have left the theatre, and to the relatives of those killed, will be made shortly. The gratuity is personal and no part of it could be paid to the relatives of prisoners of war without the prisoner's consent.
I am circulating particulars of the gratuity in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. DribergSince the prisoners' consent can obviously not be obtained until official communication is established with them, would the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the last part of his answer in view of the long time that has elapsed for many of these families since the men concerned were taken prisoner?
§ The Prime MinisterI am sure that the point which the hon. Member makes will, by the fact he has made it in the House, be brought to the notice of the proper authorities, and I will see that it is considered.
§ Following are the particulars: