11.
asked the Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to the fact that the Army Billeting Order (Statutory Rule and Order, 1943, No. 727), contains no explanatory memorandum, he can state briefly what changes it involves?
I will gladly circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing how the new billeting rates compare with the old ones.
Why was this Order given without any explanatory memorandum?
I cannot answer that without notice. I imagine it was assumed to be clear on the face of it. If it was not, I will circulate an explanation.
Did not the Home Secretary last Wednesday say that there would be an explanatory memorandum in all necessary cases?
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Home Secretary gave a definite pledge to me, and to the House in general, that explanatory memoranda would be attached to these Orders when they were involved?
I think that was subsequent to this Order.
Why should the Government have to explain every trifling matter?
Following is the table:
| — | Old rates. | New rates. |
| Billet with attendance. | 6d. each man per night | 8d. each man per night. |
| Preparation and cooking of food. | 4d. first man per day | 3s. 2d each man per day covering both provision and preparation. |
| 2d. others per day | ||
| Food | 2s. 7d. per man per day | |
| Heat | 2s. 6d. per week for each fire provided for the sole use of the billetee(s) (winter only). | 3d. per day per man (winter), and 1d. per man per day (summer), assuming all services (fire, extralight and laundering) are provided. |
| Light | 6d. per week per billete (winter). | |
| 3d. per week per billet (summer) (where extra light is provided). | ||
| Laundery (of bed linen) | 7d. per man per week | |
| Hot baths | 4d. per hot bath provided | 1d. per day when hot baths are provided. |