§ 38. Colonel J. H. Harrisonasked the Secretary of State for War what authoritative news he now has of how British prisoners of war are being treated in the Far East.
§ Mr. HeadI very much regret that I can add nothing to my replies to my hon. and gallant Friend on 28th October, and to the hon. Member for Maldon (Mr. Driberg) on 14th October this year.
§ Colonel HarrisonWill my right hon. Friend do his utmost to bring to an end this disgraceful state of affairs and to correct a supplementary reply given by the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, in which he said that as far as he knew our prisoners are well treated, 252 because this has been taken up by Communist organs in this country? Would he further consult his right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, whose views on prisoners of war 50 years ago are well known, to bring this state of affairs to an end?
§ Mr. ShinwellWould it not be useful if the right hon. Gentleman could inform the House whether British prisoners of war in the Far East are being permitted to write to their relatives at home? I understand that is the position.
§ Mr. HeadYes, Sir, I informed the House quite recently that they are allowed to write, and some 10,000 letters have been received in this country.
§ Mr. DribergIs it not the case that, so far as is known, the treatment is good, and if such is the case, is it not undesirable to give an impression which may only cause extra anxiety and distress to relatives, when, in fact, such evidence as there is is to the contrary?