32. Lieut-Commander R. H. Thompsonasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will authorise the issue of space-heating units to British Forces in Korea before next winter.
§ 33. Mr. J. Langford-Holtasked the Secretary of State for War what steps he is taking to prevent a repetition of the serious shortage of space-heating equipment for British troops in Korea in the event of another winter campaign.
§ 39. Commander Maitlandasked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements he has made to provide space-heaters for men fighting in Korea during the winter months.
§ Mr. StracheyThe most suitable space-heater for use in Korea has proved to be 232 the Yukon stove, an American product. We have now arranged with the United States authorities that they will provide a sufficient number of these stoves for all British troops in Korea in time for next winter.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether he has applied this to the whole of the British Army, because this problem will occur wherever British soldiers are called upon to fight in snow-bound conditions?
§ Mr. StracheyThat is a much wider question.
§ Mr. Langford-HoltIt is an important one.
§ Mr. StracheyIt is an important question, but I cannot answer it without notice. I can say that we have discussed in the War Office this question of space-heating because, undoubtedly, experience in the Korean War has shown its importance.
§ Major Legge-BourkeMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if, in view of the fact that presumably these space-heating units require the expenditure of dollars, he has made any attempt to get them manufactured in England?
§ Mr. StracheyOf course we have considered that.