HC Deb 26 March 1941 vol 370 cc577-9
43. Sir H. Williams

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to make a statement on the subject of the destruction of a large number of fir trees adjoining the gun site, particulars of which were furnished to his Department on 2nd December, 1940; and also whether he is in a position to supply information in respect of the supply of beds for the gun crew on the same site, particulars of which were sent to him on 31st December, 1940?

Mr. Law

As regards the first part of the Question, the fir trees to which my hon. Friend refers were cut down in order to secure a proper field of fire for the guns which could not be sited elsewhere in the vicinity owing to the nature of the ground. With regard to the second part, it was decided, in view of the temporary shortage of beds, to give troops sleeping in accommodation with concrete or stone floors priority over those sleeping on wooden floors.

Sir H. Williams

Is my hon. Friend aware that the statement about the field of fire is obviously without validity to anyone who has been there, and further, with regard to the beds, as this site has been in operation since August, 1939, why are not the men provided with beds? Why was it that when a particular gun crew were moved, they had to take away three beds for 15 men and the other crew, when they came in, bring 15 beds with them? Does my hon. Friend really say that after 17 months of war the War Office are incapable of providing a sufficient number of beds?

Mr, Law

With regard to the first part of my hon. Friend's Supplementary Question, while I have no doubt that his opinion even on matters which are purely military matters is of considerable value, I think that constitutionally we are bound to accept the opinion of our military advisers on strictly military points. With regard to the question of beds, as my hon. Friend knows, it is a fact that there is a shortage. It is regrettable, and the shortage is being repaired as quickly as possible.

Sir H. Williams

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Office of Works cancelled a contract for 500,000 beds in 1939? Is he further aware that, although I have tried for four months to get information about the field of fire, up to now three of my letters have not been answered?

Mr. Law

I am aware of the cancellation of the contract. The explanation is a simple one. It was because in practice it was found to be impossible to fit the soldiers into the beds, as the contract provided for the supply of beds for evacuated children.

Sir H. Williams

In view of that, can my hon. Friend say why the War Office took over 500,000 beds that were of no use to them?

Mr. Law

I have no doubt I could say why if in fact they had done so. They took over the contract, and as soon as they found what the beds were, they terminated the contract.