HC Deb 04 March 1941 vol 369 cc744-5
5 and 6. Mrs. Tate

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware that troops stationed at Timsbury House, Timsbury, Somerset, throw away a large proportion of the bread issued to them which is baked by the Army, as they declare it to be almost uneatable, and buy most of their bread from the village canteen; and whether he will take steps to put an end to this wastage of food;

(2) whether he is aware that the meat and vegetables issued to the troops stationed at Timsbury House, Timsbury, Somerset, are prepared by Army cooks in such a manner that the men find that they are almost uneatable, and have to buy food at a local canteen; and what steps he proposes to take to stop this wastage of food and to improve the cooking?

Mr. Law

I have made very careful inquiries into the messing arrangements of the unit in question, and I have been unable to discover any grounds for the complaints referred to. A recent surprise inspection has confirmed that the fond of this unit is properly cooked and that their bread supply is satisfactory.

Mr. Mathers

Does the Minister admit bad cooking and waste because of bad cooking in any unit whatever?

Mr. Law

I have no doubt that there is —

Mr. Speaker

The hon. Member cannot pursue that question.