§ Mr. Keelingasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that many bricklayers, carpenters and other building tradesmen sent to the Far East in July to construct bomber bases at Okinawa have been idle at Hong Kong for many weeks; and how soon will they be restored to the building industry in this country.
§ Mr. StracheySince taking an important part in re-occupying Hong Kong, these men have started work on a new transport airfield. The Commander-in-Chief has2266W been requested to arrange for local labour to take over most of this work in order to increase releases in this branch of the Service.