HC Deb 15 October 1940 vol 365 c581
26. Miss Ward

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give an assurance that every member of the Auxiliary Territorial Service has a great-coat and has a bedstead to sleep on?

Sir E. Grigg

Every member of the Auxiliary Territorial Service has either a greatcoat or a rainproof coat with fleece lining. Every member should have either a bedstead with wire mattress or a camp bed. If the hon. Lady knows of any cases where they are not available, I shall be grateful for the information, and will make immediate inquiry into it.

Miss Ward

Is it a fact that the War Office have decided to issue no great-coats to the Auxiliary Territorial Service people until the supply of mackintoshes with fleece linings is used up? Will my hon. Friend inquire into that, and see that it is altered?

Sir E. Grigg

I cannot give any assurance about the supply of greatcoats, because the issue is a matter of difficulty. It also affects the Home Guard.

Miss Ward

Will my hon. Friend see that greatcoats are issued as a necessity? It is a matter of great importance.

Sir E. Grigg

I cannot undertake the issue of greatcoats for the Auxiliary Territorial Service in addition to mackintoshes.