HC Deb 23 January 1951 vol 483 cc5-6
8. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for War what facilities for leave and rest, in Japan or elsewhere, are available to British troops who have been fighting in Korea; and whether a local overseas allowance is payable to them in such circumstances, and in what currency.

Mr. Strachey

Arrangements have been made for the use of a British Commonwealth Occupation Force leave hostel near Tokyo, and British soldiers on leave from Korea are already using these facilities. The inclusive cost at the leave hostels is reasonable. I am satisfied that the Commander in Korea will submit recommendations for an overseas allowance should he consider it necessary.

9. Brigadier Clarke

asked the Secretary of State for War what special provision he made to ensure that the troops in Korea had a good Christmas dinner bearing in mind that many newly-formed units are short of unit funds.

Mr. Strachey

The usual cash grant of 9d. a head toward the cost of providing extras for Christmas dinner was made to the British troops in Korea. In addition, a special grant of £2,000 was authorised from War Office non-public funds for distribution at the discretion of the Commander-in-Chief, British Commonwealth Occupation Force, Japan, with the object of assisting units having insufficient regimental funds. Good and varied supplies were made available by N.A.A.F.I. to all units.

Brigadier Clarke

Is the Minister aware that there was considerable apprehension at only 9d. being allowed, and great satisfaction that the £2,000 did help to give them a good dinner?

Major Legge-Bourke

Did they have plenty of nuts?