HC Deb 01 August 1939 vol 350 cc2149-50
63. Mr. Lambert

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that some 2,000 Territorials are housed at a camp at Okehampton, Devon, which the recent rains have reduced to something approaching a morass; that there is only one hospital with only three beds and no kitchen or cooking accommodation attached; and what steps will be immediately taken to provide men who are voluntarily serving with adequate accommodation?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

It is the case that some 2,000 Territorials have recently been in camp at Okehampton, the excess over normal numbers being due to the desire of the commanding officers concerned that duplicate units should attend together with the original units. The troops sleep under canvas, and the exceptionally bad weather has involved discomfort. As regards hospital facilities, cases unlikely to recover in 48 hours are taken by ambulance to the Royal Naval Hospital at Plymouth. For minor cases, there is a reception station with four beds at the camp, and these beds have not, in fact, all been filled at any one time this summer. Cooking facilities are not normally provided at reception stations, meals being sent from the main cook house, but there are facilities for heating milk and so on, if required.

Colonel Ropner

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman to read that reply again in order that hon. Members may hear it?

Mr. Lambert

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the facts are not as stated in the question, and that these men have been housed in a camp which has been reduced to a morass by recent rains; and whether he proposes to take any action to change the locality of the camp?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I am informed that the camp has not been reduced to a morass. I have already explained that this was done at the desire of the commanding officers who were clearly warned that the extra numbers would involve difficulties, but they said they desired to have both these units together. Certain inconveniences have arisen here, as indeed they have arisen all over the country, on account of the exceptionally heavy rain.

Mr. Lambert

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the floorboards of the tents were covered with water, and that the men had to sleep on them afterwards?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I was not aware of that.

Mr. George Griffiths

Was it not stated that these men would not be called up unless the facilities were there? Why is the right hon. Gentleman calling them up if the facilities are not there?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

These are not men who have been called up. These are Territorials in a Territorial camp.

Mr. Griffiths

The militiamen are the same.