HC Deb 05 March 1940 vol 358 cc197-200
73. Mr. Sloan

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the conditions prevailing in certain military camps in Scotland, the names of which have been given to him; that the sleeping accommodation is of the most primitive condition, and that serious complaints are being made against both the quantity and quality of food; and will he inquire into the complaints with a view to remedying them?

Mr. Stanley

I called for a report regarding the camps referred to, and am informed that the sleeping accommodation and messing conditions are satisfactory, that full rations are being issued and that there is no record of any complaints.

Mr. Sloan

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries in the particular district, the name of which I have given him, as to the conditions in the camp?

Mr. Stanley

The hon. Member gave me the names of the camps and I have made the most careful investigation. I have given him the result of that investigation.

Mr. Sloan

Has he made inquiry from the officer in charge?

74. Mr. Sloan

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that soldiers stationed at certain Scottish camps only receive 12s. per week pay instead of 14s., and soldiers stationed at another Scottish camp only receive 10s. per week; that the soldiers can get no satisfaction or explanation from their superior officers; and will he take steps to have these stoppages returned to the men?

Mr. Stanley

The balance of pay in these cases, less stoppages for sports and barrack damages amounting to about 5d. a head a month, is credited to the soldiers' accounts, and is available when they go on leave or require it for any particular purpose. I am informed that this has been explained to the men, and instructions have been given that it is to be explained to them again, and a notice is to be posted on the company notice boards making plain the purpose of this scheme and the fact that any soldier who does not wish to join it is entitled to his ordinary pay, less, of course, compulsory stoppages.

Mr. Sloan

Is there any reason why a soldier, like other classes of workers, cannot receive his pay and then be allowed to make what deductions he wants?

Mr. Stanley

If the hon. Member will look at my reply, he will see that a notice is to be posted explaining that if a soldier does not wish to join this scheme he is entitled to his ordinary pay less the usual stoppages.

Mr. Sloan

A particular camp has been mentioned where the men are receiving only 10s. a week. Am I not in order in referring to that?

Mr. Speaker

The Question has been answered.

Mr. Sloan

The right hon. Gentleman has said that the amount is about 5d. per week. In one of these camps the men are only receiving 10s. Cannot the right hon. Gentleman give me an answer to the Question?

Mr. Speaker

The Secretary of State for War has given the answer twice.

75. Mr. Sloan

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the conditions prevailing at a military camp in Scotland of which he has been informed that 700 men sleep in a barrack building with cement floors where the beds are laid out four feet apart; that the atmosphere is bad and the rate of sickness high; that only four sinks are provided for 700 men; and that there are neither water-closets nor hot water; and will he institute an immediate inquiry into the conditions prevailing at this camp?

Mr. Stanley

I have obtained a report to the following effect. This camp has ample floor space and good ventilation. There are no water-closets, but bucket latrines with good accommodation. Hot water is not laid on, but there are facilities for boiling water. Ablution arrangements are adequate, and shower baths are being provided. The cook-house and dining room are satisfactory and all meals are good. The rate of sickness is not above the average.

Mr. Sloan

Am I to understand that the right hon. Gentleman considers that four sinks are sufficient for the ablutions of 700 men?

Mr. Stanley

I do not think that is a correct statement. I have made inquiries the result of which I have stated.

Mr. Sloan

I have a letter in my pocket from the men.

Mr. Garro Jones

May I ask whether, in order to prove the truth or otherwise of many of these complaints, the right hon. Gentleman will appoint a Committee of the House of Commons to go into the matter?

Mr. Leonard

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the case of camps on the outskirts of Glasgow they have not had their blankets washed for over four months?

Mr. Stanley

I think the hon. Member should give me some notice before he makes a statement of that kind. In regard to the Question of the hon. Member for North Aberdeen (Mr. Garro Jones), I do not think that method of inquiry is the correct one. I am responsible for these matters, and I am only too glad to take up questions which are raised by hon. Members. There will be an oppor- tunity on the Estimates for any hon. Member to raise any point he has in mind.

Mr. Sloan

Am I to understand that the Minister considers that this building, which has a cement floor—[HON. MEMBERS: "Order!''] There are 700 people there—

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member must not address arguments to the House at Question Time.

Mr. Sloan

This is not an argument. There are 700 people there—

Mr. Speaker

Order!

Mr. Sloan

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I intend to raise this matter on the Adjournment.