§ 21. Miss Burtonasked the Secretary of State for War what action is being taken to provide amenities for His Majesty's forces in Korea.
§ Mr. StracheySome amenities have already been provided for the British forces in Korea. A senior staff officer is now in the Korean theatre of operations 1156 with the object of reporting what further steps can be taken to improve the amenities of the troops.
§ Miss BurtonWhile everyone is very glad that that is the position, is my right hon. Friend aware that General Martin, writing in a national paper on 30th April, stated that no amenities at all at present existed for the troops in Korea? Is my right hon. Friend able to correct that statement or to be more specific in saying what steps are now being taken in this matter?
§ Mr. StracheyI cannot, of course, answer for General Martin, but there are, for example, theatrical parties, film entertainment, and broadcasting facilities. There are the ordinary N.A.A.F.I. facilities, newspapers and books are being sent out, and voluntary organisations are helping, and so I would think it strange to say that no amenities are being provided.
§ Miss BurtonAs the public regards this as a matter of urgency, would my right hon. Friend be able to give more details next week if I were to put down a question on that matter?
§ Mr. StracheyCertainly, but I should not like to suggest that the amenities which have been enjoyed by the troops in Korea, up till now, have been very great. The troops have been actively engaged in operations, and it has been impossible to give amenities on a great scale. Probably the most useful facility instituted so far is the leave facility whereby parties of 100 have been flown to Japan.