HC Deb 25 November 1952 vol 508 cc244-5
28. Mr. H. Nicholls

asked the Minister of Pensions if mothers of unmarried ex-Japanese prisoners of war, who have since died, can be made eligible for the per capita payment now being distributed.

30. Mr. R. Robinson

asked the Minister of Pensions what progress has now been made with the distribution of the per capita grant to those who were Far East prisoners of war; when is it hoped to complete this distribution; what are the prospects of a second distribution; and how far it will be possible to widen this second distribution so as to include the parents of unmarried men and orphans.

33. Mr. J. T. Price

asked the Minister of Pensions to make a statement on the progress which has been made in the distribution of gratuities to ex-prisoners of war lately held by the Japanese; and what average sum is calculated to be payable.

The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Heath-coat Amory)

Thanks to the co-operation of the F.E.P.O.W. clubs and associations and the Government Departments concerned, good progress has been made since the scheme was announced on 6th October. Some 20,000 payments have been made. We are making payments at the rate of 1,000 a day, and the vast majority should receive their initial share of £15 by Christmas.

The possibility of widening the scheme to include parents of unmarried prisoners of war who died in captivity, or since, and also orphans, is receiving careful consideration, but no decision can be reached until the total of claims from prisoners of war, civilian internees and widows is known.

The question of a second distribution will depend on the realisation of the remaining Japanese assets in the United Kingdom and on whether the eligible categories are to be extended.

Mr. Nicholls

While congratulating the Minister on the speedy and effective way in which he has put this into operation, may I ask him if he will pay special attention to the parents of these prisoners of war and to mothers of prisoners of war who are themselves widowed?

Mr. Amory

Yes, I should like to assure my hon. Friend that I will give specially sympathetic consideration to the type of case which he has mentioned.

Mr. Price

Is it not a deplorable circumstance that these worthy men, who have suffered at the hands of the Japanese, should now suffer further humiliation by this paltry award? Would it not have been more compatible with our alliance with our American allies that there should have been a greater realisation of our rights under the Japanese Treaty than was actually accorded to them in that document?

Mr. Amory

The responsibility of the present Government is limited to a decision as to how this sum of money which is available shall be distributed.

Mr. Robinson

So far as the merits of the cases of parents and orphans are concerned, will my right hon. Friend do all he can to ensure that those merits are not obscured by difficulties of administration?

Mr. Amory

I will give that assurance.