§ 12 and 13. Mr. Alportasked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is satisfied that the types and numbers of weapons and other equipment available to the East African forces are adequate for the strategic role which these forces are liable to be called on to fulfil;
(2) what action he proposes to take to increase recruiting for the King's African Rifles and the Northern Rhodesian Regiment; and if he will consider the pay and conditions of service offered to African ranks with a view to their improvement.
3. Mr. Vaneasked the Secretary of State for War the establishment and present strength of the King's African Rifles and the Northern Rhodesian Regiment, respectively.
§ Mr. WyattThe East African forces are basically equipped and organised on the same lines as the British Army. They are in possession of adequate supplies of 2122 the right type of equipment. The possibility of raising additional African units is being investigated. No representations regarding pay and conditions of service have been received from the General Officer Commanding, East Africa. It would be contrary to practice to publish the information asked for by the hon. Member for Westmorland (Mr. Vane).
§ Mr. AlportHas the Minister's attention been drawn to a statement made by General Dowler, on giving up the command, with regard to the very unsatisfactory nature both of pay and conditions of service of Europeans and Africans and of the equipment of East African forces generally? Will he not consider investigating this matter more carefully than apparently he has been able to do?
§ Mr. WyattInquiries are naturally being made into the statement to which the hon. Member referred, particularly as no representation on this matter has been received from the officer concerned.
§ Brigadier HeadIs the hon. Gentleman aware that despite the serious manpower shortage in this country very little use is made of colonial manpower, and that although the War Office said that this matter has been under consideration for the last four years nothing is done?
§ Mr. WyattI cannot accept that statement. I assure the hon. and gallant Member that these particular battalions are up to strength.
§ Brigadier HeadMay I refer the hon. Gentleman to HANSARD, where he will find it was said four years ago by the then Under-Secretary of State that this matter was under particular attention?
§ Brigadier HeadNothing has been done.
§ Mr. AlportIn view of the unsatisfactory reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment as early as possible.