§ 71. Mr. Rileyasked the Secretary of State for War, whether all our troops who have been serving in Iceland are now being evacuated; and whether all the men who have been serving there will be given a reasonable relief before being despatched for service elsewhere?
§ Mr. LawAs regards the first part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister yesterday. With regard to the second part, it is the normal practice for troops returning to this country from stations abroad to spend a period at home before being sent overseas again.
§ Mr. RileyHas the hon. Gentleman in mind the fact that large numbers of troops now in Iceland were there all last winter and that it is very desirable that arrangements should be made that they should not spend a second winter there without an opportunity of relief?
§ Mr. LawYes, I have told the hon. Member on another occasion that, as far as the military situation permits we will ensure so far as possible, that the men who have spent one winter in Iceland will not spend another without some period of leave, but military considerations must come first.