§ 103 and 104. Mr. Mathewasked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance (1) in how many cases the next of kin of Japanese prisoners-of-war who were killed or died in captivity have not been paid the sum of £76 Ws. due to them from Japanese sources;
(2) what steps have been taken, by means of public advertisement and wireless announcement, to bring to the attention of the next of kin of Service men who died in Japanese capitivity that they are entitled to a payment of £76 10s. from Japanese sources.
Mr. VaneIn view of the personal nature of these payments, it was decided that where a prisoner-of-war had died only close relatives, i.e., his widow, children or parents, should be eligible for a share. The number of legal next-of-kin who are not close relatives and have consequently not received shares is not known, but about 1,200 unsuccessful applications have been made by ineligible relatives generally.
Publicity about entitlement to these payments has been given in the Press and on the wireless, as well as in the House, on many occasions since October, 1952, when the scheme was started. The National Federation of Far Eastern Prisoners of War Clubs and Associations which is in touch with the great majority of ex-prisoners and their relatives has throughout given most valuable help.
On 26th January last my right hon. Friend, in announcing the formation of a new trust to make use of the balance of the assets, gave the closing date for applications for per capita shares as 31st March, 1959. He is grateful to my hon. Friend for providing this further opportunity of reminding any relatives in the categories already mentioned to apply at once if they have not already done so.