HC Deb 06 March 1940 vol 358 cc366-7
29. Mr. R. Gibson

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that efforts have been made by the citizens of Greenock to arrange sleeping accommodation for naval men unable to return to their ships at night, particularly by the Greenock Young Men's Christian Association and the Greenock Centre for Community Service; for what purpose the residence "Bagatelle" has been taken over by the Admiralty; and what steps he is taking to provide sleeping accommodation ashore for naval men unable to return at night to their ships?

Mr. Churchill

I am aware of the activities to which the hon. and learned Member refers in the first part of his Question and the Admiralty is most grateful to the organisations he mentions and others, as well as to the civic authorities and individuals at Greenock for their splendid work in welcoming the naval men who are at Greenock from time to time, and in providing emergency sleeping accommodation when necessary. Arrangements for providing extra sleeping accommodation for naval personnel who exceptionally are prevented from returning to their ships, are in hand.

Mr. Gibson

Will the right hon. Gentleman be so good as to answer the second part of the Question, which relates to the purpose for which the residence "Bagatelle" has been taken over by the Admiralty?

Mr. Churchill

I must apologise that my answer does not cover that point, and may I ask the hon. and learned Member to put the Question down again?