§ Mr. LetwinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will change his policy on the award of compensation payments to Japanese prisoners of war who were citizens of British colonies; and if he will make a statement. [48197]
§ Dr. MoonieReflecting the ex gratia payment scheme that I announced in November 2000, payments to those British groups held as prisoners of war by the Japanese during the Second World War include eligible servicemen who were citizens of British colonies.
With regard to former civilian internees, the Association of British Civilian Internees Far East Region (ABCIFER) has submitted an application for leave to seek judicial review in respect of certain aspects of the scheme. In the circumstances, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further on this issue at present.