§ Mr. H. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is satisfied that National Service men being sent to the Suez Canal Zone are sufficiently trained in the handling of small arms; that regimental orders concerning armed sentry duty are sufficiently strict; whether he is satisfied with the general standard of discipline of all Tanks in the Suez Canal Zone; and what steps he is taking to maintain and improve the morale of National Service men in this zone;
(2) how many British troops in the Suez Canal Zone have during the past 12 months been killed or seriously wounded by the negligent discharge of small arms.
§ Mr. HeadI have called for a special report from the Commander-in-Chief, Middle East Land Forces, which is to cover both the casualty figures and the other matters raised, and as soon as I have it I will write to my hon. Friend.