§ 39. Mr. E. Smithasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make a statement on the arrangements that are to be made to increase the number of cooks provided for each unit and on the scheme to be adopted to improve the cooking of food?
§ The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Hore-Belisha)As I indicated in introducing Army Estimates, it has been decided to reorganise the system of training, appointment, remuneration and promotion of Army cooks, and further information on this subject has been recently published. The numbers and the rates of pay of Army cooks are being materially increased, and increased establishments for individual units will shortly be promulgated. Army cooks will henceforth be graded as tradesmen and their opportunities for training and advancement will be extended. The new equipment supplied to cookhouses in the future will be comparable with that of the best kitchens in 957 civilian life, and it is anticipated that the measures now taken to provide the soldiers with good food, well cooked and properly served, will prove a very real and permanent attraction in Army life.
§ Mr. Benjamin SmithMay I ask the hon. Member to ask the hon. Member for the Harrow Division(Sir I. Salmon) to give a practical demonstration to these potential cooks of the Army?