HC Deb 31 January 1951 vol 483 cc894-5
48. Mr. Shurmer

asked the Minister of Defence if, in view of the comparatively small number of British troops engaged in Korea, he will consider relieving the troops of 29th British Brigade and returning them to Europe.

Mr. A. Henderson

I have been asked to reply. No, Sir.

Mr. Shurmer

Is my right hon. and learned Friend aware that there is much concern among the wives and parents of the men who have borne the brunt of the battle since last August? In view of the small number involved, would he not agree that there are some others who could relieve them, and thus give them a chance to come home?

Mr. Henderson

I think my hon. Friend is under a misapprehension. The 29th Brigade only arrived in Korea in November.

Mr. Emrys Hughes

Could the right hon. and learned Gentleman give us any news about the health of his right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence?

Mr. Henderson

I understand that my right hon. Friend is progressing very satisfactorily.

54. Major Legge-Bourke

asked the Minister of Defence if he is aware of the great anxiety caused to relatives of all men in the formations concerned by reports from Korea which appear in the British Press showing the possible number of casualties sustained by British formations, no indication being given of the units involved nor of the accuracy of the estimate: and if he will at once request United Nations to issue instructions to Force Headquarters in Tokio that all such information should be withheld until the next-of-kin have been informed.

Mr. A. Henderson

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Defence in answer to Questions by my hon. Friends the Member for Maldon (Mr. Driberg) and the Member for Rossendale (Mr. Anthony Greenwood) on 23rd January. I hope that these new Press censorship regulations will go some way towards preventing such reports in the future, but the matter will be carefully watched.

56. Mr. Nabarro

asked the Minister of Defence whether he will allow newspapers not exceeding four ounces in weight to be sent by air mail to His Majesty's Forces serving in Korea at concessionary rates.

Mr. A. Henderson

Newspapers may already be sent by air to the Forces overseas as first-class mail, which goes at concessionary rates. It has now also been decided that second-class mail, which includes newspapers, may in future be sent by air to all members of the Forces stationed outside Europe at the rate now in force for the Middle East, namely, 3d. per half ounce, and arrangements to put this concession into effect will be made as soon as possible.

Mr. Nabarro

Would the right hon. Gentleman agree that, in spite of that concession, it will still mean that a national daily newspaper, weighing four ounces, sent under the concessionary rate to Korea, will still cost 1s.? Does he not still consider that an excessive rate?

Mr. Henderson

I should like to look into that point.