§ 57. commander Nobleasked the Minister of Defence how many families of Service personnel have been informed, since 1st October, that they will not now be able to join their husbands in Japan; when was this decision taken; and what warning was given to these families.
§ Mr. AlexanderEighteen families have been so informed since 1st October. Only nine of these had actually been warned to be ready to sail; they were given about 385 three weeks' notice of cancellation. This action was taken as a result of advice received on 10th October from Headquarters, British Commonwealth Occupation Forces, suggesting that the despatch of any further families to Japan should be deferred.
§ Commander NobleIs the Minister aware that in certain of these cases only one week elapsed between the warning of the actual date of departure and the notice that they would not proceed? As this must have been under consideration for some time, and in view of the small numbers involved, could not some preliminary warning have been given?
§ Mr. AlexanderI could not answer that point of administrative detail. I hope that the hon. and gallant Member will ask the Question of the Service Department concerned.
§ Mr. AsshetonWill the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the Service Ministers to try to mitigate the hardship which has undoubtedly been suffered in these cases?
§ Mr. Alexanderindicated dissent.
Vice-Admiral TaylorAs the Minister is aware, as far as the Navy are concerned, before a wife is allowed to join her husband on a foreign station, he must first obtain accommodation approved by his commander-in-chief. Will he see that in those cases where families were waiting to go out and where accommodation had already been obtained, the husbands are in no way financially embarrassed?
§ Mr. AlexanderI do not know of any naval cases being involved in this instance.