§ Mr. THURTLE(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the widely circulated report in the Press yesterday to the effect that British soldiers in Hong Kong were smashing shop windows in the hope of getting imprisonment and ultimate release from service and if he has any statement to snake on the matter.
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)I have seen the reference in the Press, but I have no information on the subject.
§ Mr. THURTLEWill the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries as to whether these soldiers are in a serious state of discontent, and, if so, will he endeavour to take steps to allay that discontent?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI am sure I should have heard if there were any serious discontent. Of course, I shall make inquiries.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESWhen these discreditable reports of British soldiers are spread in the Press, does not the 911 right hon. Gentleman take any steps to falsify them if they are not true?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSIt is not possible, of course, to correct every statement in the Press, but it would be better, perhaps, if greater publicity were not given to it by questions of this sort in the House.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODSurely, Mr. Speaker, we have a right to put questions? Why does the Minister take up such an arrogant attitude? What does he get paid for?