HC Deb 17 June 1947 vol 438 c1785
40. Brigadier Low

asked the Secretary of State for War in which of the British West Indian Colonies an Imperial garrison is maintained and at what strength; and how it compares with that maintained before the war.

Mr. Bellenger

British garrisons are maintained in Jamaica and Bermuda. It would be contrary to practice to disclose their strengths.

Brigadier Low

Is it not a fact that these strengths were disclosed before the war? Why should they not be disclosed now?

Mr. Bellenger

For many reasons, which the Minister of Defence gave in a recent Debate in this House.

Major Legge-Bourke

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that not so very long ago a report appeared in the "Daily Worker" that there are thousands of British troops overseas holding down the population of the Colonies, and will not he do something to deny that?

Mr. Bellenger

I do not think it is necessary for me to deny everything that is said in the "Daily Worker."