§ Mr. Mellish(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for War what action he proposes to take to improve accommodation conditions of United Kingdom troops in Cyprus; and whether he will make a statement.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for War (Mr. Hugh Fraser)I understand that this Question arose from a letter published yesterday in the Daily Mail. It 1312 does not specify the unit concerned, so it is not possible for me to give a detailed report about the conditions complained of.
What I can tell the House is the general position about the supply of tents as we know it in the War Office. As a result of experience last winter, G.H.Q., Middle East, asked to be supplied with components for 2,700 tents in an improved material; and components for 2,400 tents in this material have already arrived in Cyprus.
Over and above this, as an insurance, 1,300 tents of the old type of material, which had been specially treated, were sent to Cyprus and arrived in September. I cannot, at such short notice, give the House details of the distribution of these tents, unit by unit, within the island, but hon. Members will see that there are sufficient for the stated needs of the garrison.
Needless to say, this complaint, which has come to notice, is already being urgently investigated. Hon. Members may also be assured that the welfare of the troops in Cyprus is, of course, of the closest concern to the local military authorities on the island and to my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. MellishIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the General Officer commanding our troops in Cyprus is on record as having said that there are great deficiencies on the island? We have known that for a very long time, long enough, surely, to have had at least temporary hutted accommodation for the men. Now, at this time, we are told—we know it to be true, and others will support this statement—that many of our troops are living in deplorable conditions. How can the hon. Gentleman even attempt to justify that?
§ Mr. FraserI was merely pointing out that this is of great concern to my right hon. Friend. I would also point out that the situation in Cyprus is an emergency situation and that we cannot deal with an emergency situation by establishing permanent accommodation. If that had been so, in view of the emergencies we have had to deal with over the last ten years, it would have imposed an impossible burden. Naturally, our troops will be looked after as well as possible within the context of that emergency.
§ Mr. SpeirWhile allowing for the difficulties brought about by emergency conditions, is it not a fact, first, that there ought to be a vast improvement in the welfare and recreational facilities in Cyprus for troops of all three Services. as well as better accommodation? Secondly, in view of the apparent accuracy of the letter in the Daily Mail yesterday from the unidentified warrant officer, could we have an assurance from the Minister that special steps will not be taken to try to identify this warrant officer or to take disciplinary action against him for a breach of Queen's Regulations?
§ Mr. FraserOf course punitive steps will not be taken against this man. We are anxious to ensure, if there be difficulties as stated in the letter, that they should be put right.
§ Mr. G. BrownIs the Under-Secretary aware that this is not something which has just come to light? In July, his Department had the Report of the Grigg Committee, which went out of its way to draw special attention to the fact that men had been living in tents in most unpleasant conditions for long periods. Paragraph 147 of the Committee's Report said:
We doubt whether enough had been done to make the lot of these men easier.Later, the Committee stated that it was sure things had bean put right.Now we discover that when the rains come, nearly six months later, apparently nothing has been done. Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that merely assuring us that the War Office is doing its best is not sufficient in view of the fact that it was told by that Committee six months ago about this position and seems to have done very little?
§ Mr. FraserAs the right hon. Gentleman must have noted from my Answer, a demand was made for this new type of tent and this new type of tent has been sent to Cyprus. The right hon. Gentleman must know that the distribution of troops in an emergency has to be in small units and that troops have, of course, to live in tents.
§ Mr. BrownWhat I do know is that men are now in waterlogged tents, when 1314 we were giving full warning six months ago that this would happen. Does not the hon. Gentleman realise that his duty is not to get angry with us but to get angry with whoever in the War Office failed to take action between July and November?
§ Mr. FraserAs I said before, this matter is being urgently investigated.
§ Mr. FraserAs I have explained in my Answer, this request was made in the summer and it has been met.
§ Mr. ChetwyndBut can the Minister say when this request was met? Is he aware that I was given an assurance some months ago that everything would be all right for this winter and that it is absolute nonsense to get this kind of treatment now? What is being done urgently to put the position right?
§ Mr. FraserI have explained that the problem of tentage has been met. The request was for 2,700 tents and they have been delivered to Cyprus.
§ Mr. MellishMay I ask a last question. Sir?
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder, order. Mr. Wedgwood Benn.
§ Later—
§ Mr. G. BrownMay I raise a point of order, Mr. Speaker? I apologise for doing it now, but when you called my hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, South-East (Mr. Benn), I thought we were still on the Private Notice Question raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Bermondsey (Mr. Mellish). I should like your guidance and advice.
The House rises this afternoon. We have none of the normal opportunities of asking the Under-Secretary what his researches have shown and what action he has been able—as, I have no doubt, he wishes to do—to take. Would it be in order for the hon. Gentleman to tell us whether he could find an opportunity to make a public statement between now and Christmas as to the extent to which these troubles have been overcome?
§ Mr. SpeakerI have no doubt that the Under-Secretary has heard what has been said. There is nothing that I can say on the matter.
§ Mr. FraserThe House must understand that to investigate a complaint like this at such notice is considerably difficult. Of course, the whole machinery for investigation has been set in motion. I would add, further, that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War will be visiting Cyprus during the Christmas Recess.
§ Several Hon. Members rose—
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder.