§ 6. Mr. Stokesasked the Secretary of State for War if he has considered the letter sent to him by the hon. Member for Ipswich with regard to certain shortages 603 on the Italian front; and if he will give an assurance that these shortages are being remedied.
§ Sir J. GriggThere may, of course, have been occasions when individual units or formations have temporarily, in respect of particular items, fallen below the authorised scales plus full reserves, and in quiet periods it has been quite usual in this war, as it was in the last, to restrict the expenditure of ammunition. I can, however, assure the House that in recent times operations in Italy or in any other theatre have not been hindered by any such shortages and moreover that, so far as can be foreseen, no operations that are likely to be called for in future will be prevented or endangered by shortages of supplies or equipment.
§ Mr. StokesI want a more categorical assurance. Will the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that the particular type of material which was in short supply in Italy, will not be in short supply when operations restart in the Spring?
§ Sir J. GriggIf the hon. Member will read my answer, he will find it is about as categorical as anyone in his senses could possibly give.
§ Mr. StokesIn view of the unsatisfactory answer, I will raise the matter on the Adjournment and, if necessary, ask to go into Secret Session to do so.