HC Deb 15 June 1964 vol 696 cc121-2W
29 and 39. Miss Lee

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (1) if he is aware that some British citizens whose health was undermined by treatment in German and Japanese concentration camps during the Second World War are now too old and too ill to wait for lengthy inter-Government negotiations before receiving compensation; and if he will take early steps to give such people immediate aid;

(2) what time limit he will set for applicants claiming compensation for injuries to health caused by treatment in German concentration camps during the Second World War.

Mr. R. A. Butler

As regards those who suffered in Nazi concentration camps, it will not be possible for any such payments to be made until all eligible claims have been investigated. A notice of registration will be issued and widely publicised as soon as possible.

As regards the reference to Japanese camps, the Peace Treaty with Japan in 1951 was followed by provisions for former captives in Japanese civilian internment camps and prisoner-of-war camps. More than £4 million worth of Japanese assets were distributed on a per capita basis to former prisoners-of-war and civilian internees. The distribution is now finished, but I understand that the Far East (Prisoners of War and Internees) Fund may be able to help in some of the cases that the hon. Lady has in mind.