HC Deb 15 October 1946 vol 427 cc769-70
20. Mr. Nield

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will secure a supply of motor omnibuses or other similar transport for the use of troops in B.A.O.R. who are stationed some distance from a town in order that they may be conveyed in reasonable comfort to such town for their time off duty.

Mr. Bellenger

Transport for this purpose is already provided, where necessary, to the limit of the resources available. Troop carrying vehicles are extensively used. It would not be possible in present circumstances, to supply and maintain additional motor omnibuses.

Mr. Nield

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that very considerable hardship is caused to men who have to travel in the back of a three-tonner to their leave places; that they are actually refusing to go on leave for that reason; and can he do something about it?

Mr. Bellenger

I would be very surprised to hear of soldiers refusing to go on leave merely because they had to travel on hard seats. We can only work within the facilities that are available to us.

Mr. Nield

Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will receive particulars from me and look into them?

27. Mr. Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the train from Austria to Calais which brings troops home on leave or release has only hard seats and no lying-down accommodation for the journey lasting two nights; that the meals provided at long intervals, have to be supplemented by food of poor quality in a N.A.A.F.I. buffet, for which the troops have to pay, and that these conditions cause dissatisfaction; and if he will arrange for a responsible officer to travel on this train and report.

Mr. Bellenger

I am aware that the degree of comfort on these trains leaves much to be desired, but the great scarcity of good rolling stock in the liberated countries makes it impossible to provide sleeping cars or upholstered seating at present. Great improvements have already been made since the service was inaugurated. Well prepared meals are provided at the beginning and end of the journey and at three intermediate stops, and haversack rations are served for use on the trains. No complaint has previously been received about the food supplied in the N.A.A.F.I. buffet cars, but I am having this point investigated.

Mr. Keeling

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that on a recent occasion the only food obtainable in one N.A.A.F.I. car was cake—and that was made of sand? Does he realise that the poor and not free food, and the hard lying down accommodation of this train, are a very poor advertisement for the Army?

Mr. Bellenger

No, Sir, I was not aware of what the hon. Gentleman has stated; but he will have observed that I have stated that I am having the N.A.A.F.I. buffet car service investigated.

Flight-Lieut. Crawley

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that cattle cars properly equipped are far more comfortable for the troops than third class continental carriages?

Mr. Bellenger

I should hope that they are much more improved than when I first used them 30 years ago