§ Mr. PRETYMAN(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for War whether it is proposed to repatriate a large number of commissioned officers of the South African Contingent on the steamship "Berwick Castle" on the 10th instant; whether many of the bunks are destitute of all privacy and are fitted up in the hold of the vessel; whether the smoking and recreation room accommodation provides for only fifty of about 700 officers, and whether the accommodation provided is wholly insufficient and unsuitable, especially for a voyage in the tropics; and, if so, will he cancel these arrangements and provide suitable accommodation for repatriation of Colonial officers to whom the Empire is so much indebted for their services?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThese officers had not completed their training when the 2046 War came to an end. They were given commissions because they had so nearly completed their training that it was thought they should have their commissions, but they are not officers of the contingent that fought in France. The officers who are sailing in the "Berwick Castle" are extremely anxious to return to South Africa, and it has been explained to them that owing to the limitations of shipping, they must either accept second-class accommodation or postpone their departure for several months. Each cadet was individually given the option as to whether he would make use of this accommodation or not, and all have accepted in writing. Every possible effort has been made by the Ministry of Shipping to make the conditions as comfortable as possible, and the accommodation has been approved by the General Officer Commanding South African Forces. The bunks are between decks, and it is not accurate to say that they are in the hold of the vessel. Otherwise the facts are generally as stated in the first part of the question, but the conditions are as good as in camp life or in a hospital ship, and although it is true that the vessel will cross the tropic zone, the heat on the western side of Africa is not very severe at this time of year. The Government would very much prefer to send the officers to their homes in a more comfortable manner, but the House is aware of the shipping position, which leaves them no alternative if the repatriation is to take place without further prolonged delay.
§ Mr. PRETYMANWill my right hon. Friend undertake that no officer is compelled to sail on this ship who has not signed a statement that he is willing to do so?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLYes.
§ Mr. PRETYMANThat is all I require.