HC Deb 29 September 1942 vol 383 cc662-3
39. Mr. J. Dugdale

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will see that soldiers are, wherever possible, given as good accommodation as airmen?

Sir J. Grigg

I am not sure whether the hon. Member is referring to a particular difference in the scales of accommodation for the Army and for the Royal Air Force. The general standard is now broadly similar for both Services, but there is at present in certain types of construction a somewhat larger Royal Air Force allowance for sleeping accommodation, which, as my right hon. Friend has satisfied me, is necessary on operational and other grounds. The hon. Member will also appreciate that much of the accommodation already built for the Royal Air Force is of a standard which is not at present applicable to new construction for either Service.

Mr. Dugdale

Why do soldiers have to sleep on paliasses while airmen sleep on beds?

Sir W. Davison

Why, do Italian prisoners sleep on beds too?