HC Deb 02 March 1953 vol 512 cc24-5
23. Mr. Short

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he will make immediate representations to the South Korean customs authorities to release 40 wireless sets consigned to the 1st Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry, from the United States of America.

Mr. Selwyn Lloyd

Her Majesty's Minister in Korea has raised this matter with the Korean authorities. I am hopeful that a satisfactory settlement will shortly be reached. I should like to add that the fault does not appear to lie with the South Korean authorities, who are being helpful in this matter.

Mr. Short

While thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask him to bear in mind that these sets were subscribed for by the people of Durham many months ago and were purchased in the United States, and that they have been held up ever since? Will he do everything in his power to expedite delivery?

Mr. Lloyd

We certainly will. We realise the hardship involved in the delay, and we shall do all we can to get the matter settled.