§ 21. Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Defence what progress he has made in providing a welfare television service for British troops in Germany.
§ Mr. Robert C. BrownWe intend to provide a live British television service combining programmes from all three channels for the British forces in West Germany. All the main concentrations of personnel and their families should be served within about three years and in the meantime we have plans to provide a more restricted recorded service, starting in those areas where the need for amenities is greatest.
§ Mr. HardyIs my hon. Friend aware that this is welcome news particularly for the wives and families of Service men, not least the wives and families of Service men enduring tours of duty in Northern Ireland? Is he further aware that I feel sure that most members of the British forces in Germany will be pleased by that answer?
§ Mr. KershawWill the hon. Gentleman nevertheless bear in mind that, welcome though this service will be, as with the Simonstown problem the primary object of British forces is to defend this country and not to indulge in excessive welfare activities?
§ Mr. BrownThose comments are unworthy of the hon. Gentleman. We have all to recognise that as long as British troops have to be stationed overseas they are entitled to the amenities which their civilian counterparts enjoy.