§ 46. Mr. Shinwellasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence whether he will make a statement on the military situation in Korea and say in what activities British troops are engaged.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Defence (Mr. Nigel Birch)Both sides in Korea are disposed in accordance with the Armistice Agreement. The Communist strength has remained much the same since the Armistice but the North Korean army is being re-equipped. The main tasks of the Commonwealth Division are to repair and develop their positions and to keep up their standard of training.
§ Mr. ShinwellBut, in view of the rather more favourable situation in Korea, is it not intended to return some of the men to this country?
§ Mr. BirchIt is certainly our hope to get our men back from Korea as soon as we can, but that will obviously depend largely on the outcome of the Geneva Conference.
§ Mr. ShinwellCould the hon. Gentleman say whether replacements are being sent at the present time, or whether the Government are allowing the Forces to run down without replacements from this country?
§ Mr. ShinwellThat is a very vague reply. Can the hon. Gentleman not say whether the Government are refraining from sending replacements?
§ Mr. BellengerCan I ask the hon. Gentleman whether he knows who has re-equipped the North Koreans?