HC Deb 07 May 1940 vol 360 cc1025-6
19. Captain Plugge

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of German radio propaganda, he will assure the House that the tinned food supplied to the British troops in Norway is of the highest possible quality?

Mr. Stanley

The tinned food supplied to the troops is accepted only if it conforms in every respect to the recognised specifications which are laid so as to ensure that the best quality is obtained.

Mr. Dingle Foot

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the troops taking part in the Norwegian expedition have been adequately supplied with dark glasses for protection against the sun on the snow; and whether any ill-effects have been experienced as the result of the shortage of such equipment?

Mr. Stanley

Snow goggles were provided for the troops that went to Narvik. They were not immediately available for the troops that went elsewhere, but steps were at once taken to supply them. No reports have been received of any ill effects as the result of the absence of goggles.

Mr. Foot

Would it not have been a reasonable precaution to supply the troops going elsewhere with them?

Mr. Stanley

Immediate supplies had been confined to troops who, under the Finnish scheme, were destined for particular routes, and other supplies were made available as soon as possible.

32. Mr. Foot

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, when British troops were first landed in Norway, the correct code was issued to each landing party or whether any confusion arose in this matter?

Mr. Stanley

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to aircraft recognition signals, which are of a very secret nature, and cannot be widely issued days in advance. I am informed that in one case there was a failure to follow the prescribed procedure, and an anti-aircraft unit was, for a time, not in possession of the necessary signal.

Mr. Foot

Is the right hon. Gentleman making further inquiries into this matter to find out how this state of things arose?

Mr. Stanley

Yes, Sir, but the hon. Member will realise that the circumstances of the troops in the last few days have not been such as to facilitate inquiries.

Mr. Benjamin Smith

May I ask whether any casualties occurred as a result of this?

Mr. Stanley

Yes, I fear that one did.

Back to