HC Deb 07 December 1987 vol 124 c55W
Mr. David Young

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what the Government have done to support survivors of the Japanese experimentation camp 731; and what action they intend to take to support the widows of those who have died.

Mr. Portillo

Under the war pensions scheme, administered by the Department, a war disablement or widow's pension is payable where an ex-service man suffers any disability or illness or dies as a result of service in the armed forces, which includes periods spent as a prisoner of war. The Government fully recognise the great hardship and suffering endured by Far Eastern prisoners of war and their claims to war pension are given special and very careful consideration. All Far Eastern prisoners of war are offered a tropical disease investigation to ascertain whether they are suffering any residual effects of disease suffered whilst a prisoner.

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