HC Deb 05 February 1952 vol 495 cc113-4W
100. Mr. Ian Harvey

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements have been made for the entertainment of troops serving in Korea over the past nine months.

Mr. Head

In the months July to October, 1951, three concert parties from the United Kingdom and one from Australia visited this theatre. Because of the climate, the Command asked that no parties should be sent out between November and February, but exceptionally an individual artist gave performances during the last two months of 1951. During the period a Divisional concert party was also formed and toured the theatre. A specialist was sent out to help this party and to make arrangements for the professional parties.

Two 16-mm. projectors have been provided for each unit of a lieut.-colonel's command and an Army Kinema Detachment has been formed to help in the arrangements for this type of entertainment. Films are supplied from this country by the Army Kinema Corporation and are also obtained from the United States Army. The Command reports that cinema facilities are satisfactory but that the climate on occasion prevents their full use.

114. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Secretary of State for War why offers by British artistes to entertain British troops in Korea have not been accepted.

Mr. Head

During the winter months the Command asked us not to send out parties, but from March onwards we are sending out four parties from this country. The hon. and gallant Member will realise that everyone who applies cannot necessarily be accepted.