§ Mr. J. Taylorasked the Minister of Defence why men of the Merchant Navy who were prisoners of war of the Japanese in Osaka Camp, Number 1, have, in the disbursement of the third and final compensation gratuity, been paid £25 less than Army prisoners of war in the same camp, although they experienced exactly the same conditions and treatment.
§ Mr. WoodI have been asked to reply.
As my right hon. Friend the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance informed the hon. Member in reply to his Question on 1st February, 1956, the position is governed by the Peace Treaty. While the men concerned have received the same share as members of the Armed Forces of Japanese assets realised in the United Kingdom under Article 14 of the Treaty, the Treaty confines the distribution of money received under Article 16 to members of the Armed Forces.