§ Lieut. - Colonel Bromley - Davenportasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the concern felt by the public that four British soldiers were drowned recently in Kuala Lumpur in a 100-feet deep pool, while swimming fully clothed and equipped during training; what were the ages of these soldiers; and whether he will institute the fullest possible inquiry to find out the reason for this fatality and urge all officers concerned with such training to see that every care is taken in the future to see that such an unnecessary loss of life is avoided.
§ Mr. HeadI learned with great regret of this accident in Malaya in which two officers and two soldiers of the 22 Special Air Service Regiment were drowned. The ages of the officers were 23 years 11 months and 20 years 3 months and of the soldiers 24 years 7 months and 18 years 9 months. I have not yet received the proceedings of the court of inquiry set up to investigate the circumstances. I shall, however, give immediate attention to any question of safety precautions, whether locally or generally, which they may raise.