The Rt. Hon. Sir John Major KG CH

Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 1990-1997

1983-1987 Parliament

Mr Major’s Written Parliamentary Answer on Prisoners of War (Compensation) – 23 May 1986

Below is the text of Mr Major’s written Parliamentary Answer on Prisoners of War (Compensation) on 23rd May 1986.


Mr. Parry Asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much compensation has been paid to ex-prisoners of war by the Japanese Government to date; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Major Under articles 14 and 16 of the treaty of peace with Japan, just over £4.6 million was received from Japan and about £175,000 from Thailand. During the early 1950s about £4.25 million of the total was distributed to some 59,000 former prisoners of war and civilian internees through the then Ministry of Pensions and the International Committee of the Red Cross. Apart from £3,000 held to meet possible future claims, the remainder is now held in a trust fund administered by the Far East (Prisoners of War and Internees) Fund.