§ 34. Mr. David HeathTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent representations he has received seeking the payment of ex-gratia compensation to prisoners of war held in the far east during world war two. [113723]
§ Dr. MoonieSince the beginning of 1999, we have received three Parliamentary Questions relating to this subject and over 450 letters. These have come particularly from Members of Parliament, Ex-Service Organisations and former Far Eastern Prisoners of War and their families, the majority of which have been in response to the Royal British Legion campaign. My hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Armed Forces also met officers of the Royal British Legion last year.