HC Deb 28 February 1939 vol 344 cc1068-9
42. Brigadier-General Sir Ernest Makins

asked the Secretary of State for War, how many Members of both Houses of Parliament and others availed themselves of the opportunity of seeing the modern weapons and equipment at Aldershot on Wednesday, 22nd February?

Sir V. Warrender

160 Members of both Houses of Parliament accepted the invitation. Altogether there were about 200 persons present.

Sir E. Makins

Will the hon. Gentleman ask the Secretary of State to convey to the General Officer Commanding at Aldershot and to all ranks our deep appreciation of all the arrangements which were made for our convenience and all the courtesy which was shown to us during our visit?

Mr. Gallacher

I should like to ask the Minister whether it would not be more sensible if ⁁—

Mr. Speaker

That is not a proper supplementary question.

Sir V. Warrender

May I tell my hon. and gallant Friend that my right hon. Friend will, I am sure, pass on that expression of thanks with great pleasure. As a matter of fact, steps have already been taken to convey an expression of appreciation on the same lines to the military authorities at Aldershot.

Mr. Lawson

While agreeing that hon. Members were very well satisfied with what they saw, may I ask whether the hon. Gentleman can guarantee that there is a sufficient supply of all the equipment for the service of the troops?

Sir V. Warrender

As the hon. Member knows, much of the equipment which was shown to Members of this House was the very latest equipment, and, that being so, it cannot be expected, obviously, that it should be issued to the fullest extent at the present time. Except for those items which are on the newest list, production is going along very well.

Mr. Mathers

Is the War Office aware of the desire of members of the public to have some access to the information and to see the equipment that was shown to Members of Parliament, and is consideration being given to that aspect of the matter?

Sir William Davison

Will foreign nations also be kept informed?