§ Mr. M. MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for War whether it is now intended to take steps to remove the stigma in the official interpretation in the Army Act that while officers are honourably taken prisoner, other ranks prisoners are theoretically regarded as deserters till it is proved otherwise; and if this change will be made before the main body of prisoners return.
§ Mr. A. HendersonI can assure my hon. Friend that no stigma necessarily attaches to any officer or soldier who may be taken prisoner of war. Nor is there any discrimination in practice in favour of the officer as against the soldier. In these circumstances no action would appear to be necessary.