Officers' Wives, Near East

Oral Answers to Questions — British Army – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 28 June 1949.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Sir Waldron Smithers Sir Waldron Smithers , Orpington 12:00, 28 June 1949

asked the Secretary of State for War, if he has considered details which have been sent to him concerning the conditions under which officers' wives live in the Near East; what immediate steps he is taking to rectify the position; and if he will make a statement.

Photo of Mr Emanuel Shinwell Mr Emanuel Shinwell , Seaham

I am having inquiries made into the various representations made in the correspondence forwarded to me by the hon. Member. I will write to him as soon as possible.

Photo of Sir Waldron Smithers Sir Waldron Smithers , Orpington

Is the Minister not ashamed that recruiting is so slack and will he in future cease to blame the wicked Tories?

Photo of Mr Emanuel Shinwell Mr Emanuel Shinwell , Seaham

I am certainly not ashamed of the recruiting position. The present position is not at all unsatisfactory, but in so far as there are difficulties they are due to factors which are unfavourable and over which we have no control.