HC Deb 06 February 1940 vol 357 cc3-4
6. Mr. Daggar

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that members of the Wiltshire Yeomanry, at present stationed at Nottingham, although supposed to be rationed, are not in receipt of any butter allowance and are not provided with any food between 4.30 p.m. and 8 a.m., with the result that they are compelled to purchase the required food, if in possession of the necessary money, from the canteen provided by the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes, against whom the charge of profiteering is being made; and what steps he proposes to take with the view of removing the cause of such complaints?

The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Sir Victor Warrender)

I am informed that the full butter allowance has been drawn each day and issued to all ranks, and that an evening supper meal has frequently been tried and has not proved a success as the men do not attend. The money saved is being spent on extras for other meals.

As regards the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes, their price lists are displayed in every institute, and are based on retail prices in vogue generally throughout the country. If any specific case of profiteering can be quoted the matter will at once be investigated.

Mr. Daggar

Does not the hon. Gentleman think it unreasonable to expect any man to remain without food from 4.30 p.m. until 8 o'clock the next morning, and can he not do something in order to avoid that long interval?

Sir V. Warrender

I have said that evening meals were provided but as the men did not attend, they have been discontinued.

Mr. Daggar

Is it not the case that there are men who require food between the hours I have mentioned and who are compelled to purchase it themselves, out of money which they can ill afford to spare?

Sir V. Warrender

I am willing to look further into this matter, but the hon. Member will understand that it is very difficult to cater for the tastes of individual soldiers. It is usual in a unit to meet the desires of the majority of the men, who, of course, have a say in their own messing arrangements.