§ Mr. NichollsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have recently been made, formally or informally, to the Government of Japan on compensation payments for British ex-prisoners of war; what representations he expects to make in the foreseeable future; and if he will make a statement. [28076]
§ Mr. GoodladWe are precluded on legal grounds from raising the question of compensation formally with the Japanese Government, but Ministers have drawn their attention to the strong feelings which the situation of the former prisoners arouses in the UK. Most recently, I discussed the matter with the Japanese Government during my visit to Japan from 26 to 29 May. We intend to continue these discussions.