HC Deb 25 February 1947 vol 433 cc1862-4
13. Major Legge-Bourke

asked the Secretary of State for War why British troops on the day prior to the visit of Press representatives to the camp at Xylotymbu, Cyprus, were ordered to clean up the filth of the camp with their hands as no shovels were available, and why this task was not performed by the Jewish inmates who had made the task necessary.

Mr. J. Freeman

I have no information on this matter, but have called for a report and will write to the hon. and gallant Member.

25. Mr. Orbach

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the lack of a canteen for our troops and the absence of a club for non-commissioned officers in Nicosia, Cyprus, is causing some dissatisfaction; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy the situation.

Mr. Bellenger

There is a N.A.A.F.I. club for other ranks in Nicosia. I am making inquiries about the details of the accommodation there and will write to my hon. Friend.

Mr. Orbach

is my right hon. Friend aware that there is an officers' club in the centre of the city, while there are no canteen or club facilities for troops or noncommissioned officers; and that the Church of England offered to bring an institute over from Cairo to Nicosia but have been refused facilities?

Mr. Bellenger

I have already said there is a N.A.A.F.I. club there, and from my experience N.A.A.F.I. clubs now are very good.

26. Mr. Orbach

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there is still delay in the delivery of troops' mail to Cyprus; and if he will take steps to see that our troops in Cyprus are informed of the extent to which this is due to the severe winter weather.

Mr. Bellenger

Mails to Cyprus have not been delayed recently until the onset of the bad weather, which has caused interruptions of as much as three days. Information of delays of more than 24 hours is broadcast or signalled to the troops, together with full reasons.

Mr. Orbach

Is my right hon. Friend aware that troops who have written to me from Cyprus complain that mails were delayed for to days, and no reason was given?

Mr. Bellenger

I am not aware of that. On the whole, the mail facilities to Cyprus have been very good.

27. Mr. Orbach

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that there is no garrison cinema for our troops in Nicosia, Cyprus, and that this is causing some dissatisfaction; and what steps he is taking to arrange for films to be shown.

Mr. Bellenger

The Army Kinema Corporation has agreed with the industry not to operate cinemas within three miles of public ones that are able to cater for the needs of troops in the vicinity. It is for this reason that there is no garrison cinema at Nicosia.

Mr. Orbach

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the only cinemas available in Nicosia are two commercial vermin-ridden cinemas, and that the troops refuse to go to them?

Mr. Bellenger

I will look into the point raised by my hon. Friend.