§ 3.26 p.m.
THE EARL OF CORK AND ORRERYMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, with reference to the reply given in this House on 26th October, 1954, to a Question on the subject of the treatment of prisoners of war, they have completed the study of the evidence collected from prisoners of war who were captured in Korea, and, if so, whether any conclusions have been arrived at as to what, if any, changes are desirable; and further to ask Her Majesty's Government whether, if any such conclusions have been arrived at, any consultations with the American authorities on the subject have yet been initiated.]
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (THE MARQUESS OF READING)My Lords, this is an extremely complicated subject which necessitates the consideration of many novel points. Her Majesty's Government have not yet been able to complete their study of the large amount of material involved, nor, in consequence, have they been able to decide what changes if any may be needed; but I hope to be able to give a more specific reply before long. As soon as I am able to do so, I will inform the noble and gallant Earl. Meanwhile, I can assure him that contact is being maintained with the United States authorities concerned.
THE EARL OF CORK AND ORRERYMy Lords, I thank the noble Marquess for his Answer, and in view of the terms of that Answer I do not intend to pursue the subject today. I shall look forward to the pronouncement that the noble Marquess has foreshadowed. I understand that at this moment a pronouncement worthy of the subject might be highly explosive. But it is a subject that cannot be dropped. I was very glad to learn from the noble Marquess that Her Majesty's Government are going ahead with the matter and that we shall have a further statement. This Question is concerned with the most bestial cruelty to British and Commonwealth soldiers that soldiers have ever been subjected to.