HC Deb 20 October 1915 vol 74 cc1779-80
33. Mr. CATHCART WASON

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he will state whether the War Office makes any provision for Colonial soldiers or others for food and lodging in London; and, in view of the fact that the Horticultural Hall, Vincent Square, is rarely used except for purposes of luxury such as pet dogs and fancy flowers, he will acquire the use of the building for the accommodation of our soldiers, who seem now to have no consideration paid them except by the Young Men's Christian Association and private hospitality?

Mr. TENNANT

I understand that the Union Jack Club, the Maple Leaf Club, and other similar institutions in London are open to Colonial soldiers equally with soldiers belonging to the United Kingdom. His Majesty has graciously placed at the disposal of soldiers arriving in London from the front the Buckingham Palace Riding School. I am also informed that a new and very large club, with some 227 beds for soldiers of Dominion contingents, is just being got ready. The Victoria League Club, which has hitherto not been residential, is also opening a house which will accommodate a considerable number of men. My hon. Friend will thus see that this matter has not been neglected, and that to say that no consideration is paid to our fellow countrymen from the Dominions is to convey a most misleading impression. I am not sure that the Horticultural Hall would be very suitable for the purposes in view. At any rate, it certainly would not be so suitable as the residential clubs I have referred to.

Mr. WASON

Is it not a fact that soldiers arriving from the front, especially Colonial soldiers, have not been met, and have been dependent entirely upon the exertion of the Young Men's Christian Association for the accommodation provided for them, and that in many cases they have been obliged to accept the hospitality of the Thames Embankment?

Colonel LOCKWOOD

Before answering that question, will the right hon. Gentleman state whether he is aware that the Royal Horticultural Hall is used for exhibitions of fruit and vegetables grown in England, and is meant to encourage that industry?

Mr. TENNANT

I have no information on that subject, but I quite believe what the right hon. and gallant Gentleman has said. I have no information which at all bears out the suggestion made by my hon. Friend the Member for Orkney and Shetland. On the contrary, I am given to understand that soldiers arriving here from the front are received in the most hospitable manner, and have every consideration paid to them, and that there is nothing lacking in the manner in which they are entertained while here.