42. Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that complaints are being made of the inadequacy of the breakfast given at Dunkirk to demobilised men on their way home, and that some soldiers have had to embark without food at all as it was not ready for them; and whether, as methods of this nature cause a bad impression, he will arrange for an immediate inquiry and reform?
Captain GUESTNo such complaints have reached the War Office, but in- 1067 quiries are being made, and I will write to my hon. Friend as soon as I am in a position to do so.
§ 44. Captain AINSWORTHasked the Secretary of State for War if he will issue special instructions against overcrowding on the boats bringing demobilised men home; and, whether special precautions will be taken to avoid, in future, bringing men from India, Egypt, and Mesopotamia in an unacclimatised condition and bringing them through the extreme cold of the Alps and Southern France and to avoid bringing these men in trucks in railway carriages?
Captain GUESTThe question of reducing the numbers accommodated on vessels is receiving consideration, but my hon. and gallant Friend will realise that such a reduction must affect the rapidity of demobilisation, and result in men being exposed to the heat later on in the season. As regards the latter part of the question, with the exception of certain cases where transshipment in, Egypt is necessary for shipping reasons, and of troops from Egypt, arrangements have now been made for all troops now en route to come direct to the United Kingdom by sea.