§ Mr. AingerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what decision he has made following the review of deductions made from the pay of officer prisoners of war and protected personnel in German and Italian hands during the second world war; and if he will make a statement. [10869]
§ Mr. SpellarMy Department has conducted an extensive review of the issue of pay deductions from officer prisoners of war and protected personnel in German and Italian hands during the second world war and the subsequent arrangements for repayment. Overall, the review found no evidence of lack of care, of significant injustice or of grave financial disadvantage. The long and detailed report accepts that there were real difficulties but these were recognised at the time and reasonable steps were taken to minimise them. Accordingly, there is no basis for reopening the issue. I have placed a copy of the full report in the Library of the House.
I am writing to those individual right hon. and hon. Members who have a constituency interest. Former officer prisoners of war and protected personnel covered by the review and their families who have written direct to my Department will also be contacted to let them know the result of the review. I know and very much regret that the people who have had their hopes raised will be very disappointed. I must conclude that the contemporary evidence does not support the claims that have been made.
Copies of my foreword to the report are also being placed in the Vote Office.