HC Deb 27 June 1939 vol 349 cc196-8
30. Mr. Sexton

asked the Secretary of State for War the value and weight of National Mark beef supplied to the Army during the years 1936, 1937, and 1938 respectively?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I regret that the desired information is not available, but. during the financial years 1936, 1937 and 1938, approximately 142,500, 141,000 and 128,000 lbs., respectively, of fresh meat were purchased for the Army and the Royal Air Force at home, at a cost of £1,600, £1,800 and £2,300, respectively.

Mr. Sexton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Minister of Agriculture has been urging the public to buy National Mark beef and will he not, in the interests of the British farmer and the British soldier, supply British soldiers with home-produced beef?

Captain Heilgers

Can my right hon. Friend say what percentage of the whole the figure which he has given represents?

34. Sir Gilford Fox

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will call for reports from all the Territorial camps being held this summer on the nature and quality of food supplies, with special reference to its being of British or foreign origin?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I do not think it is necessary to call for such reports, which would throw additional work on staffs already heavily burdened. Catering advisers have recently been appointed to the staffs of commands to give expert advice to commanding officers on all messing matters, and inspectors of catering from the War Office pay periodical visits to Territorial camps.

Sir G. Fox

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in certain cases last year units on the first day in camp were short of food?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

No, Sir, I was not aware of that, and I am very sorry to hear that that should be so. Every step is taken to ensure a supply of food.

Mr. R. J. Taylor

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in certain cases this year the Territorials, although speaking in the highest terms of the quality of the food, made serious complaints as to the quantity?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I did not know that there were serious complaints as to the quantity of the food and I shall be glad, if the hon. Gentleman has any case in mind, if he will tell me. It is our desire that the quality and the quantity of the food should be above reproach.

Mr. Taylor

The reason why I mentioned the matter was that if he were not told, the right hon. Gentleman might be in ignorance all the time.

36 and 37. Mr. Turton

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether any, and, if so, which, detachment of the Regular or Territorial Army at camp are supplied with new-laid eggs solely of United Kingdom origin;

(2) whether he will state the amount of the cash allowance from which messing officers buy eggs for the troops; whether it is sufficient to provide the troops with new-laid eggs produced in this country; and whether he will circularise messing officers as to the desirability of, whenever possible, supplying the troops with home-produced foodstuffs?

Mr. Hore-Belishas

The current rates of cash allowance vary from approximately 5½d. to 8d. a man a day, depending on the strength of the unit. The expenditure of this allowance, on eggs or other foods, is, at the commanding officer's discretion, exercised through the messing officer, and it is not proposed to interfere with this discretion. I have no information as to which units purchase new-laid eggs solely of United Kingdom origin.

Mr. Turton

In view of the fact that the Minister last week displayed such detailed knowledge of the appetites of the troops for Estonian eggs will he not make an inquiry and give these soldiers an opportunity of showing their appetite for British eggs, which at the present moment are cheap, far fresher and better for them?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

I have just explained in regard to the question on the Paper that the unit has a discretion so that the men's wishes can be consulted. It is not proposed to place upon troops, who, after all, are Territorials, a restriction which does not apply in civil life. They may spend their money as they like.

Mr. Petherick

Will my right hon. Friend give a personal demonstration in the Tea Room?