§ 25. Colonel Lord HENRY CAVENDISH-BENTINCKasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that soldiers proceeding home on leave are kept waiting sometimes for three days at the French ports; that the arrangements for the rationing and billeting of these men are so inadequate that they have often to go without either food or sleep; and whether he will make representations to the military authorities in France as to the necessity for a better treatment of the soldiers returning on leave when detained at the ports?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONMen are, of course, sometimes detained at the French ports, but there is accommodation for a large number of men at each of the ports commonly used. The feeding arrangements have been investigated, and it is 1286 found that rations are drawn for every day that men are detained at ports. Branches of the Expeditionary Force canteens are also available.
§ Lord H. CAVENDISH-BENTINCKIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the only accommodation is an open shed paved with cobble stones, and sometimes used for horses?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONI will have inquiries made.