HC Deb 07 November 1950 vol 480 cc749-50
16. Mr. Kaberry

asked The Secretary of State for War how many soldiers under 19 and 20 years, respectively, have been wounded or killed in Korea as at the latest available date.

Mr. Strachey

As already announced, no soldiers under 19 years of age are serving in Korea. According to information available up to 6th November, 1950, 12 men of 19 years old have been killed and 37 wounded.

Mr. Kaberry

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what proportion these figures bear, in percentage, to the whole of the casualties up to that date?

Mr. Strachey

Not without notice.

17. Mr. Kaberry

asked The Secretary of State for War what welfare services are available to soldiers wounded in Korea; and what arrangements are made to keep relatives informed of the condition of the wounded or sick.

Mr. Strachey

British soldiers who have become wounded or sick in Korea have been evacuated by United States medical units, and I have no doubt that they are being well cared for. We have instructed Far Eastern Land Forces to arrange with the American authorities that reports on these men's progress are sent to us as soon as possible. Twenty-nine Field Ambulance and 26 General Hospital are now on their way to Korea.

Sir Ronald Ross

Are the Forces Help Society, and other benevolent bodies who are accustomed to working for the welfare of the soldiers, given opportunities to do all they want to do?

Mr. Strachey

Yes, Sir. With the arrival of the main force in Korea I do not think there will be any difficulties there.

Captain Ryder

Is the Minister aware that there are delays in the receipt of information by the next-of-kin in the event of soldiers being wounded? Is he further aware that I know of one case in which there was a delay of six weeks?

Mr. Strachey

There have been delays, and that is because these cases are being attended to by the American authorities. We cannot expect the arrangements to work quite so expeditiously as long as that is the case, but as soon as our own medical arrangements are in operation in Korea, I do not think these difficulties will arise.

Captain Ryder

Is the Minister making representations to the United States authorities?

Mr. Strachey

Yes, Sir. We have done so.

Mr. N. Macpherson

As soon as the right hon. Gentleman gets information from the American authorities, will it be passed to the relatives who are without news for long periods after the first intimation that their menfolk have been injured?

Mr. Strachey

Yes, Sir.