HC Deb 06 December 1949 vol 470 cc1695-6
34. Mr. Hollis

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of hardship caused by shortage of married quarters in Hong Kong; and whether he can make a statement on the prospects of remedying this shortage.

Mr. Shinwell

Every possible measure is being taken to make more married quarters available in Hong Kong both by construction and by leasing. The provision of troops accommodation up to an adequate standard must, however, be given priority for some months to come.

Mr. Hollis

Can the Minister say how many married quarters have actually been built there since the war?

Mr. Shinwell

Off-hand I cannot give the actual figures. If the hon. Gentleman will put the question down, I will assist him as best I can.

36. Sir Patrick Hannon

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has considered the anxiety entertained by several families in Birmingham and South Staffordshire, on the extension of the tour of duty of British troops reinforcing the Hong Kong frontier, which include the 1st Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment; and if he will make a statement on the health and welfare of the troops now at Hong Kong.

40. Mr. Fairhurst

asked the Secretary of State for War how much beyond the period required by the Military Service Act does he propose to retain National Service men serving in the Hong Kong area.

Mr. Shinwell

There is no proposal to depart from the present rules governing the length of an overseas tour in the case of soldiers serving in Hong Kong. For Regular soldiers the tour is about three years. National Service men will be returned to the United Kingdom for their release in the normal way. Although there are invariably a number of minor ailments, such as skin troubles, among the troops in Hong Kong, their general health is good and there has recently been an appreciable fall in the sick rates. Normal welfare arrangements exist including mobile cinemas, forces broadcasts, Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes canteens in all camps on the mainland and additional canteens and hostels run by voluntary organisations both in Hong Kong and Kowloon.

Sir P. Hannon

Would the Secretary of State indicate to the House when he thinks the tour of duty of the 1st Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment will terminate because that is giving grave anxiety to people in that part of the world?

Mr. Shinwell

I am afraid that that is another question.