HC Deb 23 March 1949 vol 463 cc373-4
56. Mr. Platts-Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Air what is now the number of United States Army Air Force personnel stationed in this country and when they may be expected to leave.

The Secretary of State for Air (Mr. Arthur Henderson)

The number of United States Air Force personnel stationed in this country at present is about 7,000. I am unable to say when they will leave.

Mr. Platts-Mills

Does it ever occur to my right hon. and learned Friend that if the Government some day decide to stand independent of America, the presence of these men might be something of a nuisance?

Mr. Thurtle

Does not the Minister agree that most of us regard these men as our friends and want them to stay?

Brigadier Medlicott

Can the Minister say how many fellow-travellers are also stationed in this country and how soon they, too, might be expected to leave?

57. Mr. Platts-Mills

asked the Secretary of State for Air what was the purpose of the visit to this country of General Vandenberg, Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, and General Norstad, Deputy Chief of Operations, United States Air Force.

Mr. A. Henderson

This visit was for the purpose of inspecting the United States Air Force in this country.

Mr. Platts-Mills

Will not my right hon. and learned Friend face the fact that these men came here as part of the job of preparing Britain as the atom base in an aggressive war against—

Mr. Speaker rose

—

Mr. Henderson

That statement is, of course, quite untrue.

Hon. Members

Withdraw.

Wing-Commander Hulbert

Is it in Order for the hon. Gentleman to cast a reflection of that nature on distinguished Allied officers?

Mr. Speaker

I thought that quite obvious. I rose and a denial of the hon. Member's statement was promptly given by the Secretary of State for Air. Aspersions should not be made on gallant officers belonging to friendly countries.

Mr. Platts-Mills

Is it right to assume that I make an aspersion on a gallant officer in the service of a foreign country merely because I suggest that he is carying out what is his obvious duty of trying to make Britain a satellite?

Mr. Speaker

In his first question the hon. Gentleman drew a distinct inference and imputation which, after all, is not in Order in a supplementary question. We had better get on. [HON. MEMBERS: "Withdraw."] I did not ask the hon. Member for any withdrawal. I merely pointed out that it was out of Order.