Transit Camp, Folkestone
39.
asked the Secretary of State for War if he is satisfied that the accommodation and, in particular, married quarters at Shorncliffe for noncommissioned ranks in transit from overseas are adequate and sanitary; whether rations are immediately available; and if proper arrangements are made to enable pay and allowances to be drawn.
On the assumption that the hon. and learned Member is referring to the transit camp housed in the Royal Pavilion Hotel. Folkestone, yes, Sir.
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that personnel coming home from overseas disembark at various ports, such as Shorncliffe? Has he any information in regard to the quarters there?
No, Sir. I cannot give any further reply unless the hon. and learned Gentleman will give me more details of what he wants me to investigate.
Territorial Army (Civil Servants)
41.
asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is intended to fix any target number or percentage of recruits to be obtained from the Civil Service for the T.A.
No, Sir. It is not proposed to fix a target or quota for any particular profession or occupation. Every encouragement will be given to civil servants to join the Territorial Army, subject to the need to ensure the retention of sufficient trained officials to maintain essential services in war-time.
42.
asked the Secretary of State for War what proportion of the total number of the 20,000 recruits for the T.A. up to the end of June were obtained from the Civil Service.
I regret that this information is not readily available.
In view of this answer and the right hon. Gentleman's answer to the previous Question, will he bear in mind that many organisations are having considerable difficulty in getting under way after the war, and will he, therefore, do everything he can to encourage civil servants to join the Territorial Army, as every extra man from the Civil Service will ease the situation very considerably?
Certainly, but within the limits of the answer I gave to the hon. and gallant Gentleman's first Question.
Personal Case
43.
asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that an officer in the R.A.M.C., particulars of whom have been sent to him, who did most of his service abroad and was due for Class A release in June, 1946, has been given a Regular commission, binding him perhaps for 21 years without his consent and against his wishes; and if, as this officer is being penalised in his future civil career, he will have urgent inquiries made so that the officer's release can be effected quickly to enable him to take the university course in public health and obtain the grant in connection with this which has been secured if release be granted.
I am aware that this officer has since claimed that he did not wish to be granted a Regular commission. The matter is being investigated and I will communicate with my hon. Friend.
Can the Minister inform the House if it is customary that a man who is being granted a commission should sign a document indicating the period of service and other conditions attaching to the commission?
I do not know whether it is customary, but I am investigating that aspect of the question. I must say that I am surprised that this officer has only found out that he was granted a Regular commission against his wish six months after it was granted.
Sweet Ration
44.
asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will issue a sweet ration card to Army personnel which would enable them to purchase their sweet ration in civilian shops, as soldiers are unable to get adequate variety in N.A.A.F.I. canteens.
Arrangements are under consideration for personnel on the lodging list to buy their sweet ration in civilian shops, but I regret that it is not possible to adopt my hon. Friend's proposal for other personnel. It is necessary for troops generally to obtain their sweet ration through N.A.A.F.I., as civilian arrangements are not easily adapted to Service demands and furthermore, distribution to ordinary retailers would be upset by moves of units. In any case I am not prepared to accept the suggestion contained in the last part of the Question.
Would my right hon. Friend look into the kind of sweets that the N.A.A.F.I. supply? I think he will find that my allegation is well founded.
Yes, Sir, I am prepared to do that, and if my hon. Friend can give me any information in that respect, I should welcome it.