§ 41. Mr. Gunterasked the Secretary of State for War when 5773519 Lance-Corporal E. Johnston, 1st Gloucester Regiment, was declared unfit for further service in the Korean campaign; upon what date he left for Britain; and what is the present whereabouts of this soldier.
§ Mr. StracheyLance-Corporal E. Johnson left Singapore for the United Kingdom on 27th March and arrived at the R.A.F. hospital, Wroughton, on 5th April. He was transferred on 6th April to Cambridge Military Hospital, Alder-shot. A cable has been sent to Korea asking when this soldier was declared unfit for service in that theatre. As soon as I have a reply I will write to my hon. Friend.
§ 84. Mr. Perkinsasked the Secretary of State for War if he can now make a further statement on whether Regular soldiers serving in Korea will have the normal overseas tour of three years reduced in view of the special hardship suffered in this sphere of activities.
§ Mr. StracheyI would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Lewes (Major Beamish) on 3rd April. The length of tour of soldiers serving in Korea is at present under examination.
§ 92. Major Beamishasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the letter from the hon. and gallant Member for Lewes, containing evidence from senior officers in Korea of the fact that the Navy, Army and Air Force Institute's services are still inadequate, prices being high and stocks poor; what steps he has taken to rectify this matter; what further steps are contemplated; and if he will make a full statement thereon.
§ Mr. StracheyI have referred this evidence to the Commander of the British Commonwealth Forces in Japan and have asked for a comprehensive report. When this is received I will write to the hon. and gallant Member.