HC Deb 13 November 1951 vol 493 cc791-2
17. Mr. Robson Brown

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will give an assurance that the provision of warm winter clothing for British troops in Korea is adequate.

23. Mr. David Renton

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps he is taking to ensure that British troops serving in Korea will be adequately protected by suitable clothing and footwear against cold this winter.

25. Mr. T. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is satisfied that all British troops in Korea are equipped with adequate cold-weather clothing and durable boots; and if space-heating equipment is provided for use in billets.

Mr. Head

Sufficient winter clothing of the type provided last winter, which with the exception of boots was found to be generally satisfactory, is now in Korea: there are now enough boots of a new design to equip more than all the troops in forward areas and by next month there will be enough for every man in Korea.

A new range of winter clothing has been produced in the light of last winter's experience. Of this, sufficient quantities are now in Korea to clothe all fighting troops, and it is hoped that by January there will be enough for every man.

Space heaters to meet our full needs have been obtained from the United States Army in Korea. These have been reported by the local military authorities to be satisfactory.

Mr. Brown

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his reply, may I ask him to bear in mind that there has been a tendency in the past to treat these gallant men in Korea as forgotten men?

Hon. Members

Withdraw.

Mr. Head

I can assure my hon. Friend that every possible step will be taken—[HON. MEMBERS: "Withdraw."] I do not consider, from the experience I have had in the War Office, that the charge which my hon. Friend has made can be upheld.

Mr. Donnelly

Is it not a fact that in the last Parliament it was the hon. Member for one of the Coventry seats, on our side of the House, who raised the problem of the men in Korea?

Mr. Head

There was widespread anxiety throughout the House in regard to this matter, but I think it is better not to go into the matter.