§ 45. Mr. F. Beswickasked the Prime Minister if he will consider appointing a delegation of hon. Members to visit Korea during the Easter Recess or other convenient time.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Winston Churchill)I cannot feel that such a delegation is necessary.
§ Mr. BeswickWhile I do not overestimate the value of a Member of Parliament as a tonic to morale, would it not be reasonable, by now, for men to have expected someone from this House to have gone out to see the conditions with which they contend?
§ The Prime MinisterI have not facts at my disposal to enable me to estimate with any exactitude the improvement in morale which would follow from a visit to Korea by the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. F. J. BellengerMight it not have another effect, if the right hon. Gentleman permitted it—that it would enable hon. Members who have constituents in Korea to acquaint themselves with the circumstances under which our soldiers are fighting out there?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is a question of balancing loss and gain.
§ Lieut.-Colonel H. M. HydeWould the Prime Minister not reconsider his decision 701 in view of the fact that when I was in Korea last month the troops I saw there expressed the desire for more live entertainment?
§ The Prime MinisterThat aspect should no doubt be considered.