§ 46. Mr. Shinwellasked the Prime Minister, as the head of our defence Forces, whether he was informed of the shortage of ammunition for United Nations troops in Korea; and what action was taken in the matter.
§ The Prime MinisterI am informed that the ammunition supply in Korea has always been sufficient to meet the operational requirements of the United Nations Forces, and shortages of ammunition have not restricted the planning of operations.
§ Mr. ShinwellBut has the right hon. Gentleman not been informed of the statement made quite recently by General van Fleet on his retirement from the command in Korea to the effect that there has been a considerable shortage of ammunition?
§ The Prime MinisterI have to rely upon the official information which is transmitted to us in due course. I cannot deal with every statement that is made by an ex-commander—or even by an ex-Cabinet Minister.
§ Mr. ShinwellBut would the Prime Minister be good enough to address his mind seriously to this question? Does he regard it as satisfactory that statements should be made to Congressional Committees in the United States by retiring commanders on the subject of the alleged shortage of ammunition without information being conveyed to this House in order to remove a possible misleading statement of this kind?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think it would be a good thing if we were to let our procedure in this House be governed by investigations of Congressional Committees in the United States. I should have thought that the right hon. Gentleman ought to be very careful when he pursues this line, as he might be falling out with some of his colleagues below the Gangway.
§ Mr. ShinwellDoes not the right hon. Gentleman understand that I am anxious 835 not to fall out with anybody, but if I had to choose between my hon. Friends below the Gangway and the Prime Minister I should prefer the right hon. Gentleman, because he is much easier to handle. Will he be good enough to make inquiries and to ascertain whether the statements made by General van Fleet are accurate? After all, we ought to be assured on a very important subject of this kind.
§ The Prime MinisterWe have regular reports, and very close and intimate relations prevail between the British Military Representative and the Commander-in-Chief in Korea. I have no doubt that the reports we have received fully justify us in giving our full confidence to the character of the statements made. May I thank the right hon. Gentleman for the compliment which he paid me, and only express my regret that he should have thought it necessary to add any reservation.
§ Mr. SpeakerIt is past half-past three.