HC Deb 24 June 1997 vol 296 c464W
Mr. Pike

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs which representatives he has met of former prisoners of war of the Japanese; and what discussions he has had with representatives of the Japanese Government in regard to compensation to such former prisoners of war; and if he will make a statement.[5078]

Mr. Doug Henderson

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 2 June at column86 to the hon. Member for Stroud (Mr. Drew) by the Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.

The Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs invited representatives of the former prisoners of war and civilian internees to a meeting which took place on 3 June.

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed the strong feelings held by many in this country about the former prisoners of war with the Japanese Foreign Minister when they met on 21 June. We will continue to maintain close contact with the Japanese Government on this issue.