46. Mr. JONESalso asked the Prime Minister what naval or marine, military, and Air Force units have been drafted to China and Hong Kong in the past two months, and for what purpose?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIn regard to Naval and Air Forces, I would refer the hon. Member to the answers given by my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty on the 1st and 8th December in reply to questions by my hon. Friend the 2923 Member for South-East Essex (Mr. Looker) and my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Hertford (Rear-Admiral Sueter). These forces have been sent to the Far East in order to ensure as far as possible the effective protection of British subjects in China.
As far as military units are concerned, one heavy battery, Royal Artillery, and one battalion of Infantry have moved to Hong Kong during the past two months, but these moves were in the normal process of relief of similar units which have moved elsewhere.