HC Deb 10 May 1954 vol 527 c849
40. Mr. Bishop

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance when the former British prisoners of war and civilian internees in Japan may expect to receive a second distribution of the proceeds of Japanese assets in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

39. Mr. Turner

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance if he will make a statement regarding a further distribution from assets to former British prisoners of war in the Far East.

The Minister of Pensions and National Insurance (Mr. Osbert Peake)

I regret that I am not yet in a position to make a statement on this matter.

Mr. Bishop

Will my right hon. Friend, whose sympathy and activity in these matters are well known, do his utmost to hasten a settlement, having regard to the number of people concerned, to what they have suffered, and to the length of time they have waited?

Mr. Peake

As my hon. Friend knows, my Ministry is concerned with the distribution of the money when it becomes available. Perhaps my hon. Friend would put a Question to the appropriate Minister about the actual collection of the assets.