§ Dr. Kingasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the distress caused to wives and children evacuated from Egypt in December, 1951, better arrangements are planned for any possible future evacuations.
§ Mr. HeadI deplore the inevitable inconvenience and disruption of family life caused by the urgent need to bring these families home, but their safety was our over-riding concern. The arrangements, however, were the best which could be made in the time available: and the few criticisms that have been made were of shortcomings that were, I think, unavoidable in a move at short notice. The experience gained will certainly be used if, regrettably, a similar move is necessary in the future.