HC Deb 17 February 1948 vol 447 cc976-7
27. Mrs. Manning

asked the Secretary of State for War after what length of training young soldiers are being sent to Palestine.

Mr. Shinwell

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to the hon. Member for Cheltenham (Mr. Lipson) on 3rd February as to the method of sending reinforcements to Palestine. As regards length of training, young soldiers sent as reinforcements to the Middle East would normally have done at least four months' training.

Mrs. Manning

In view of the inflammable situation existing in Palestine, does not my right hon. Friend think it would be much wiser to send there disciplined and well-trained soldiers?

Mr. Shinwell

We do not send them directly to Palestine. We send reinforcements, in normal circumstances, to the Middle East. As to their disposal from the Middle East, that is a matter for those in authority.

Mr. Wilson Harris

Are reinforcements still being sent to Palestine from any source in view of the approaching withdrawal from that country?

Mr. Shinwell

I have said that we do not send reinforcements direct from the United Kingdom to Palestine. Reinforcements are sent to the Middle East.

Mrs. Manning

Does that answer mean that dispersal of these men is not a matter of policy for the War Office, and that it is in the hands of the officers in command in the Middle East?

Mr. Shinwell

Those in command in the Middle East have to decide how to fill up units where demobilisation has occurred. Units have to be kept up to strength. That is not necessarily a matter of high policy, but a matter of administration.

Mr. A. R. W. Low

Surely the right hon. Gentleman told me a short time ago that he had issued instructions to the effect that, so far as possible, young men should not be sent to Palestine? Has he not sent those instructions to the G.O.C.s, Middle East?

Mr. Shinwell

I understand that as far as practicable they are not sent to Palestine. It is a matter which has to be dealt with on the spot by those in charge of administration.

Mr. Eden

Will the right hon. Gentleman agree to this as a matter of principle, that it is very desirable that a soldier with only four month's service should be sent to less exacting duties than the duties must be in Palestine at the moment?

Mr. Shinwell

It depends on the situation and the circumstances prevailing at the time whether or not it is desirable to send persons under 19 to these places. I should not feel inclined to interfere with the administration.