HC Deb 15 February 1949 vol 461 cc141-2W
Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for War why troops stationed at Benghazi have suffered delay in demobilisation due to lack of shipping facilities; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Shinwell

As has already been announced in the Press, there has been some delay in bringing men of Age and Service Groups 77, 78 and 79 home for release, but it is hoped that the period of delay will not exceed three weeks. This delay has been due to mechanical faults which developed in two troopships. The total number from all parts of the Middle East so delayed is about 2,000.