§ 30. Mr. Wyattasked the Secretary of State for War to make a statement regarding those officers and men still recorded as missing as a result of the operations in Korea.
§ Mr. HeadI regret to say that no information about any of these men has been forthcoming from the Chinese Government as a result of inquiries which have been going on since June. In the circumstances I feel that I have no alternative but to presume their death. Their next of kin have been so informed. I would take this opportunity of extending to all the relatives my deep sympathy with them in the loss which they have sustained and in the anxiety they have suffered over a long period.
§ Mr. WyattDoes this mean that the Secretary of State is now satisfied that there are no prisoners unaccounted for in the hands of the Chinese or the North Koreans?
§ Mr. HeadIn these matters one can never be absolutely certain, but I thought it best to make this presumption at this stage rather than to wait over a very long period on the offchance that one man might turn up, because people living in this state of anxiety are placed in a difficult position in many ways.
§ Mr. FernyhoughDoes this mean that the dependants of these men will now be able to get pensions which have hitherto been denied them?
§ Mr. HeadYes. The details will be explained by my hon. Friend, as there is, I understand, an Adjournment debate on the subject tonight.