HC Deb 01 June 1949 vol 465 c2113
45. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Minister of Defence how many officers, noncommissioned officers and men have been discharged from His Majesty's Forces because they were Communists or of Communist sympathies.

The Minister of Defence (Mr. A. V. Alexander)

None, Sir.

Mr. Hughes

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that there are no Communists among the brigadiers?

Mr. Alexander

I have nothing to add to my answer.

Mr. Gallacher

May I ask the Minister if in view of the statement made by General Ivor Thomas to the Yorkshire Fusiliers——

Mr. Speaker

No statement by a General comes into this matter. The Minister's answer was "None."

Mr. Gallacher

With regard to Communists in the Forces, the General has informed the Yorkshire Fusiliers that they are going to Hong Kong to fight against Communists. Will he not make arrangements to free Communists and Communist sympathisers from having to take part?