Prisoners of War

HC Deb 24 May 2000 vol 350 cc565-6W

Mr. Ben Chapman

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence when he will make an announcement on the question of a gratuity for former far east prisoners of war. [123529]

Dr. Moonie

I refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 3 May 2000,Official Report, column 143. to the hon. Member for Tatton (Mr. Bell). This matter is still being carefully considered in consultation with colleagues and no conclusions have yet been reached.

¹Includes one case estimated at £916,000, one estimated at £500,000 and one estimated at £260,000

Note:

The three cases recorded against 1999–2000 are at an early stage of investigation