Garrisons, West Indies

Oral Answers to Questions — British Army – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 17 Mehefin 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Sir Toby Low Sir Toby Low , Blackpool North 12:00, 17 Mehefin 1947

asked the Secretary of State for War in which of the British West Indian Colonies an Imperial garrison is maintained and at what strength; and how it compares with that maintained before the war.

Photo of Mr Frederick Bellenger Mr Frederick Bellenger , Bassetlaw

British garrisons are maintained in Jamaica and Bermuda. It would be contrary to practice to disclose their strengths.

Photo of Sir Toby Low Sir Toby Low , Blackpool North

Is it not a fact that these strengths were disclosed before the war? Why should they not be disclosed now?

Photo of Mr Frederick Bellenger Mr Frederick Bellenger , Bassetlaw

For many reasons, which the Minister of Defence gave in a recent Debate in this House.

Photo of Sir Henry Legge-Bourke Sir Henry Legge-Bourke , Isle of Ely

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that not so very long ago a report appeared in the "Daily Worker" that there are thousands of British troops overseas holding down the population of the Colonies, and will not he do something to deny that?

Photo of Mr Frederick Bellenger Mr Frederick Bellenger , Bassetlaw

I do not think it is necessary for me to deny everything that is said in the "Daily Worker."