HC Deb 22 February 1972 vol 831 cc262-3W
Mr. Leadbitter

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will make a statement on the compensation claims of Far Eastern prisoners of war or their widows;

(2) how many Far Eastern prisoners of war are currently in receipt of compensation and how many have been rejected; how many have had compensation claims met since the end of the war; how this figure compares with the claims made; and how many widows' claims have been accepted and rejected.

Mr. Dean

I assume the hon. Member is referring to war pensions. Claims from Far Eastern prisoners of war and their widows are dealt with under the same rules as claims from any other members of Her Majesty's Forces. Where it is relevant to the disability for which a pension is claimed the effects of captivity on health are, of course, taken fully into account. I regret that no separate figures are available of pensions claimed by and awarded to Far Eastern prisoners of war and their widows.

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