HC Deb 10 December 1946 vol 431 cc957-8
11 and 13. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) if he is aware of the complaints and unrest in the 800 Special Intelligence Company, Singapore, particulars of which have been sent to him; and what action he proposes to take;

(2) if he is aware of the complaints and unrest in the 19th Air Formation Signals, Elein Camp, Singapore, of which particulars have been sent to him; and what action he proposes to take.

Mr. Bellenger

I am not aware of any special complaints or unrest in these units, although I am well aware of the feeling of disappointment about release, and of the uncomfortable conditions of service in the Far East. I would refer the hon. Member to the full statement on release made on 26th November by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, which has been widely publicised.

Sir W. Smithers

In view of the fact that these two cases are typical, will the right hon. Gentleman try to persuade the Prime Minister to hold inter-departmental conferences so that all the Departments concerned can go into the chaotic state of administration in Singapore, and try to send out some really responsible administrator?

Mr. Bellenger

I do not accept the hon. Gentleman's suggestion that there are chaotic conditions in Singapore.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

Will the right hon. Gentleman circulate the statement of the Prime Minister in some dozens to all Members of Parliament, because we are getting day to day inquiries about the matter?

Mr. Bellenger

I should have thought the hon. and gallant Gentleman, with his long knowledge of the House, would have known where to obtain copies of the statement. It is in the Vote Office

Captain John Crowder

Would the Minister bear in mind that the supplementary questions put by my right hon. Friend the Member for Warwick and Leamington (Mr. Eden), which are half the story, are not included in that statement, so we have to get a copy of HANSARD and go over the whole thing again?