HC Deb 05 April 1949 vol 463 c1841
8. Mr. Mott-Radclyffe

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will state the number of British officers serving in Burma at the outbreak of the Japanese War; and how many of these officers were accompanied by their wives and families.

Mr. Shinwell

Approximately 320 officers of the British Army were serving in Burma at the end of 1941. Information is not available as to how many were accompanied by their wives and families.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Does this include officers seconded for service under the Burmese Government, and if it does will the right hon. Gentleman use his influence with the Foreign Office to see that they get compensation for their property which was destroyed?

Mr. Shinwell

I think that that is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary.

Mr. Mott-Radclyffe

Can the right hon. Gentleman explain why only 75 out of the 300 have made application for compensation for the loss of personal effects?

Mr. Shinwell

There is nothing in the Question about compensation, but if a Question is put down on that subject I will try to answer it.