§ Mr. Teddy TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what recent representations he has received from bodies representing prisoners of war in Japan during the second world war; if he has any plans to change present pension policy for prisoners or dependants of prisoners; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloWe have received no recent representations, and have no plans to change the current long-standing war pension policy for far eastern prisoners of war. Under the war pensions scheme, a war disablement or widow's pension is payable where an ex-service man suffers any disability or illness or dies as a result of service in the armed forces, which includes periods spent as a prisoner of war. The Government fully recognise the great hardship and suffering endured by far eastern prisoners of war and their claims to war pension are given special and very careful consideration. All far eastern prisoners of war are offered a free tropical disease investigation to ascertain whether they are suffering any residual effects of disease suffered whilst a prisoner.