§ 72. Mr. RAPERasked the First Commissioner of Works if he will give instructions for steps to be taken to provide, when necessary, accommodation for one night for officers and men of His Majesty's Forces who are either passing through London on leave from overseas, or are in process of being demobilised at a London district dispersal area; if no other buildings are available for this purpose, if he 1289 will consider utilising the Albert Hall; and, in the event of the accommodation referred to being provided, may notices to this effect be posted up in prominent positions at the London railway termini and London district dispersal areas?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. Yes, Sir, this accommodation is already provided. In London provision has been made for accommodating the following:
Officers and other ranks are provided with bed and breakfast. Notices are posted at all the large railway stations throughout Great Britain and Ireland informing all concerned of the existence of this accommodation. In addition to notices at all London Railway termini there are guides, who give their services voluntarily, to direct soldiers to the hostels and inform them of their existence. Motor transport to convey the men to the, accommodation is also provided by both voluntary agencies and the War Department. A Central Bureau co-ordinates the allotment of parties to the various hostels. The largest number of soldiers who have been accommodated on any one night is 17,000.
— Officers. Officer Cadets. Other Ranks. In Hotels 155 — — In Hostels 1,846 351 20,000(approx.) In Drill Halls — — 2,000 Totals 2,001 351 22,000