§ Q3. Mr. Shinwellasked the Prime Minister what representations he has received from Dr. Adenauer, the German Federal Chancellor, on the conduct of British forces in Germany.
§ The Prime MinisterNone, Sir.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs the Prime Minister prepared to agree that the absence of official representations indicates that there is no general dissatisfaction in Germany about the behaviour of our troops?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. I feel that this is a matter which we should try to get into proportion. Of course, it is very desirable that there should be the best possible relations, but I am bound to say that my own sympathy is with the rather robust views expressed by the hon. and learned Member for Northampton (Mr. Paget) the other day.
§ Mr. DugdaleThe Secretary of State for War said in the statement which he made on this subject that troops were being confined to barracks not as a punishment but for their protection. Will the Prime Minister say whether similar protection is being afforded to the officers?
§ The Prime MinisterAll this is, I think, to be debated on Thursday. Perhaps, therefore, we can leave it until then.
§ Mr. NabarroIn view of the historic and well-known ebullience of the Scottish Rifles, or the Cameronians, in barracks in peace time, will my right hon. Friend consider interceding at an early date to put an end to this unfortunate curfew on single men being recalled to barracks at midnight, which seems to me a collective punishment not entirely justified having regard to the absence of official representations from the West German Government?
§ The Prime MinisterThis matter is the responsibility of the Secretary of State for War, and I will give him every support. It should be fair to say that it is our duty to support the officer commanding and to take account of his wishes.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs it not also our duty not only to defend our troops in Germany against grave charges made against them, very few of which are justified, but more particularly as there appears to be more delinquency among the civil population in this country and elsewhere than among our troops?
§ The Prime MinisterI am very glad to add to what I said and to what the 275 Secretary of State for War said and to defend our troops from the attacks which have often been made by the Press either in peace or in operations and which are nearly always unjustified.