§ 24. Sir FREDERICK YOUNGasked the Secretary of State for War if specially expeditious arrangements have been made for the discharge of the men arriving from India, in view of the cold of the present season in contrast to the climate in which they have been serving for years; and whether special care is taken for their warmth and comfort on their voyage home and during the time it is necessary to detain them in camps?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLTroops coming home from India for demobilisation are dispatched by the All-Sea route. Arrangements are made for home pattern clothing to be issued, and the khaki drill to be withdrawn either before embarkation or during the voyage. On arrival at the Port of disembarkation in the United Kingdom they are given a good meal on landing, and also a ration for consumption in the train, the size of the ration depending on the length of the journey to be performed. They are sent direct to the Dispersal 785 Station nearest their homes, where they are dispersed with the least possible delay. In the majority of cases they leave the Dispersal Station on the day they arrive, but arrangements have been made at all stations to provide comfortable sleeping accommodation and hot meals for those who may be detained over night.