HC Deb 06 December 1950 vol 482 cc337-8
19. Squadron Leader Burden

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what information he has received concerning casualties to the United Nations Forces in Korea; and if he will state the numbers of killed, wounded and missing in each of the national contingents.

Mr. Ernest Davies

I have not received detailed information on casualties sustained by United Nations Forces as a whole. As regards United Kingdom casualties, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence on 29th November, and as regards United States casualties, to the figures published by the United States Defence Department.

Squadron Leader Burden

Would the hon. Gentleman endeavour to obtain the figures and give them to the House and the country—our own casualties, the American casualties, and the Commonwealth casualties—before we rise for the Christmas Recess?

Mr. Davies

I understand that a statement will be made shortly by the Minister of Defence, and I hope that that will include the figures asked for.

Air Commodore Harvey

Will the hon. Gentleman say what steps the Govern- ment have taken to keep themselves fully informed of the situation from time to time, and give an assurance that the House will be kept fully informed of the up-to-date situation?

Mr. Davies

The assurance has already been given by the Lord President of the Council that the House will be kept informed as often as it is considered reasonable or practicable to do so; and, as I have said, a statement is likely to be made in the very near future.

Mr. Eden

I accept that, but will the hon. Gentleman convey—that is, if he can still convey—to his right hon. Friend the wish that that statement should definitely include the most recent information about our own casualties?

Mr. Davies

Yes, Sir, certainly.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Can my hon. Friend say what steps have been taken to prevent further casualties in North Korea? Does the Government realise that the time has come for a "cease fire"?

Sir Herbert Williams

Will the hon. Gentleman say why the statement promised over a month ago in response to my Question on this very subject has not yet reached me?

Mr. Davies

I thought that the hon. Gentleman was a most regular attendant at the House. A statement has been made since the date of that Question a month ago.

Sir H. Williams

But the hon. Gentleman promised a statement to me.