§ 4. Mr. Mayhewasked the Secretary of State for War if he will make a further statement on the provision of 399 accommodation for British troops stationed in Kuwait.
§ Mr. RamsdenForward troops are still deployed operationally in the desert, but their numbers are being reduced. Most of the rest are accommodated in buildings. An air-conditioned rest camp is available in the desert for the use of the forward troops, and another one for 150 men in Ahmadi. There is a tented rest camp by the sea which can accommodate about 500 men.
§ Mr. MayhewWhat use is being made of schools?
§ Mr. RamsdenWithout notice, and trying to recollect what I saw when I was there, I would say none from the point of view of rest camps, but I can assure the hon. Gentleman from my own observation that the accommodation in the direction he is asking about is adequate for the reasonable comfort of the troops, bearing in mind the rigours of the climate.
§ Mr. MayhewWill the hon. Gentleman look into the question of schools? My information is that they could be much better used than they are.
§ Mr. RamsdenI am not aware of any request from those on the spot for more accommodation. My information is that they have what they feel they need, but I will certainly bear in mind what the hon. Gentleman has said.