HC Deb 02 November 1948 vol 457 cc666-7
27. Mr. Pritt

asked the Secretary of State for War how many U.S. troops are stationed in this country; in what areas; for how long it is proposed that they will remain; under what agreements they are here; what steps are being taken to arrange for their return home; how much land has been requisitioned or withheld from release for their accommodation; and what expenses fall upon this country in connection with their sojourn here.

Mr. Shinwell

No United States troops are stationed in this country apart from a small number of members of the United States Army engaged on courses, liaison duties and the repatriation of United States dead. The rest of the Question does not, therefore, arise.

Mr. Pritt

Would the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that I put down this Question to the Minister of Defence and it was transferred to him, and that in ordinary parlance "troops" includes the Air Force, and would he answer about the United States Air Force?

Mr. Shinwell

All that I can deal with is the Question on the Paper, which refers' to United States troops and not to the Air Force. Therefore, my answer to my hon. and learned Friend is that there are none.

Mr. Pritt

Could the right hon. Gentleman give some authority for the astonishing proposition that Air Force personnel are not "troops" in a Question addressed to the Minister of Defence?

Mr. Shinwell

My impression was that my hon. and learned Friend referred to soldiers and not to airmen.

Mr. Pritt

Was the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Question was addressed to the Minister of Defence?

Mr. Shinwell

The Question may have been addressed to my right hon. Friend, but it has come to me, and I have given an answer in accordance with the facts.

Mr. W. J. Brown

Might I ask whether the Minister of War would be willing to provide some legal advice to the hon. and learned Gentleman about the adequate drafting of a Question?

Mr. Shinwell

I would never dare to compete with the hon. Member opposite in giving advice of any kind.

Mr. Bramall

Is it not a fact that United States Air Force personnel are members of the United States Army?

Mr. Shinwell

I was asked about "troops" and I thought "troops" referred to the personnel under my political control.

Squadron-Leader Fleming

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that all right-minded people in this country welcomed the arrival of these troops?

Mr. Speaker

That has nothing to do with this Question.

Back to