14. Miss Wardasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give an assurance that no men are now sleeping on palliasses in tents with no floor-boards?
§ Mr. LawNo, Sir. Floor-boards are only issued, on medical recommendation, to camps where conditions are such as to necessitate their use.
Miss WardThe Question I asked was whether any men were sleeping on palliasses in tents on floor-boards. As I understand, there is quite a number, and it has been impossible to get bedsteads for the men.
§ Mr. LawThe position is that floor-boards are issued only in cases where the medical authorities consider it to be necessary. In other cases where men are sleeping on palliasses, they do have groundsheets as well, and in the opinion of medical authorities that is sufficient.
Miss WardIn view of the fact that instructions have been issued by the War Office to the Commands that bedsteads should be made locally for searchlight stations, in particular where men are in isolated spots, surely it cannot be correct for men in tents to sleep on palliasses?