§ 2.44 p.m.
§ LORD LAWSONMy Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are aware that forty radio sets were bought for the 1st Battalion Durham Light Infantry, now serving in Korea, for which £800 was paid from the Mayor of Durham's Fund; that twenty-five of these radio sets are now held by the Korean Customs in Pusan who refuse to let them through the Customs; and that the men of the Battalion are disturbed as the result of this action; and whether they will make representations to the Korean authorities with a view to the release of these wireless sets, so much needed by the men, which have been paid for by the people of Durham.]
§ THE EARL OF BIRKENHEADMy Lords, Her Majesty's Minister in Korea has raised this matter with the Korean authorities and I am hopeful, from what I have heard of it, that a satisfactory settlement will shortly be reached. I should like to add that the fault does not appear to lie with the authorities of the Republic of Korea who are being helpful in this matter. I should also like to add that Her Majesty's Government deeply regret that the men concerned have not 1142 been able to enjoy the gift which was made to them very generously by the people of Durham, but I understand that the difficulties which have arisen are connected with the method of shipment. The House and the noble Lord can be assured that Her Majesty's Minister in Korea is aware of this position and will, if necessary, apply pressure. I should prefer to say no more at the moment pending further information.
§ LORD LAWSONMy Lords, may I thank the noble Earl for his answer and say that the people of the County of Durham will be pleased to hear that there is some prospect of these radios being delivered. I am glad to know that the Government have some understanding of the invidious position in which the men of the Durham Light Infantry have been placed as compared with troops in other parts of the same area. We look forward to a satisfactory conclusion to this regrettable matter.
§ THE EARL OF BIRKENHEADI appreciate the noble Lord's answer. I can assure him I will keep him closely in touch with future developments, and I hope that a satisfactory solution will be quickly arrived at.