Mr. Lucasasked the Secretary of State for War why personnel of the 1st Battalion, the Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment, stationed in Cyprus, are not permitted to have their wives and families with them when such arrangements are made in respect of other regi- 77W ments stationed in Cyprus; whether he will consider altering this decision; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John HareThis Battalion, which has been in Cyprus since last November, is operating in a part of the island where there are no married quarters. At the end of the year it will be moved to78W another station suitable for families. This arrangement is common to a number of units who serve for one year in remote parts of Cyprus, followed by two years in a family station. It is the fairest way of giving troops in Cyprus a share of operational conditions and family accommodation.