HC Deb 01 June 1954 vol 528 cc1064-6
27. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for War how many married and how many single men of Her Majesty's Forces in Trieste have served there for longer than one year, two years, and three years, respectively; and how many married men of each category have never had married quarters.

Mr. J. R. H. Hutchison

Two hundred and twelve married men have served in Trieste for more than one year, 94 for more than two years and 81 for more than three years. The corresponding figures for single men are 872, 116 and 42. The numbers of married men who have been there for more than one, two and three years respectively and have never occupied married quarters there are 120, 38 and 15.

Mr. Hamilton

Does not the Minister regret this break-up of families, which is necessitated by Governmental policy? Can he give any indication when Trieste is to cease to be regarded as a home station, or, alternatively, when the troops are to be brought back?

Mr. Hutchison

I am afraid I cannot because control of that situation is not our responsibility at the War Office. As I told the hon. Member the other day, we are most anxious to have as many families reunited as possible, but, while diplomatic negotiations are going on as to the future of Trieste, my right hon. Friend cannot take further steps at the moment.

28. Mr. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for War how many wives of soldiers serving in Trieste have returned to that area since October, 1953, at their own expense; how many such wives have been allowed to take their children with them; and how many are granted overseas and ration allowances.

Mr. J. R. H. Hutchison

Eighty. There are no restrictions on entry into Trieste and children may accompany their parents. There are now 64 children of Service men in Trieste. Because these visits are not officially sponsored, the husband gets the unaccompanied rate of local overseas allowance and draws either ration allowance or rations in kind. Ration allowance is not issuable to families.

Mr. Hamilton

Is it not scandalous that wives are allowed to go back if they can afford to pay their fares? Is this not discrimination between the wealthier wives and families and those who cannot afford to pay their fares? Cannot the War Office either say they are not allowed to go or that all can go?

Mr. Hutchison

I think it would be even more scandalous if we tried to direct ordinary members of the public as to where they can go and where they cannot travel.

Mr. Shinwell

Will the hon. Gentleman consult his right hon. Friend and make further inquiries into the matter? If, for diplomatic reasons, there is uncertainty about the future of Trieste and married men are in Trieste without married quarters, or without their wives and families, surely the War Office can provide out of its funds for the cost of transport of families? Surely something of that kind could be done?

Mr. Hutchison

I think that it will be generally recognised that under the circumstances which exist in Trieste it is not desirable to encourage families to go back there.

Mr. Shinwell

If that is so there may be good reason for it, but why keep married men there without married quarters and without their wives and families—in some cases, as the hon. Gentleman said, for more than three years?

Mr. Hutchison

This situation has not existed for more than three years.

Mr. Shinwell

In Trieste?

Mr. Hutchison

The return home of the Trieste families is a fairly recent development. I think it unwise to make a move in this situation just now, while diplomatic discussions are going on.

Mr. Hamilton

In view of the extremely unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.