HC Deb 22 October 1946 vol 427 cc1454-6
18. Lieut.-Colonel Sharp

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give details of the living conditions and amenities of British troops now stationed in Japan; and what action he has taken or proposes taking to ensure that these are improved.

Mr. J. Freeman

As the reply is necessarily long, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that everything possible is being done to improve the general conditions of the British Forces in Japan.

Mr. W. J. Brown

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the machinery which exists for bringing grievances to the surface operates with regard to the situation in Japan, and is the Minister satisfied that there is a reasonable possibility of preventing trouble there?

Mr. Freeman

Very much so, and as a result of its operating effectively, urgent things are being done.

Following is the reply:

The Australian authorities undertook responsibility for the administration of the British Commonwealth Forces in Japan, including the accommodation and amenities of the British component. The British troops cannot therefore be dealt with exactly in the same way as if they were a separate force directly under War Office control.

The accommodation situation was difficult, as the principal towns in Japan had been severely damaged by bombing and the troops had necessarily to be housed, initially, partly under canvas and partly in requisitioned premises. All concerned realise that there is still room for improvement in the accommodation conditions. Reports from the Commander-in-Chief indicate that energetic steps are being taken to bring the housing up to a satisfactory standard by repair of existing buildings and new construction where necessary.

The Australian Army Canteen Services provide the canteen service as it was considered that a uniform standard was necessary for an Empire Force so closely integrated. The N.A.A.F.I. merely supply in bulk any items peculiar to British troops, such as British brands of cigarettes and tobacco, but they furnished part of the canteen staff. The adequacy of this staff is now under examination.

On its despatch to Japan, the force was equipped to scale with welfare amenities (sports equipment, wireless receivers, etc.). Every effort is being made to send additional amenities, and many have been despatched to date, including additional wireless receivers, with equipment and personnel to establish a broadcasting relay station, gramophones and records, and many thousands of books and magazines.

Further, a rest centre was recently opened in a Japanese style hotel on the shore of the inland sea at Shimotsui. This hotel has 60 to 70 rooms. It will be open to all British troops, including a small proportion of officers and members of the Women's Services. A gift of £2,500 by the Nuffield Trust for the Forces of the Crown will be used to improve the amenities at this centre.