§ 29. Mr. Burkeasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that members of the A.T.S. stationed at a camp in the North-west, the name of which has been sent to him, are quartered in huts where the heating arrangements are inadequate and that as a consequence many have suffered from severe colds; and will he take steps to improve the conditions?
§ Sir J. GriggThe accommodation at this camp has been carefully investigated. The huts are dry and each is adequately heated by a slow combustion stove. Arrangements have now been made that it should be lighted before the auxiliaries go to their tea. The sickness rate at this camp has risen slightly during the past month owing to colds, but it compares favourably with the sickness rate of A.T.S. auxiliaries elsewhere including those accommodated in billets.
§ Mr. BurkeCan the right hon. Gentleman compare the sickness rate now in the 761 camp with what it was when the same girls were in billets? Is he aware that although the stoves were there there were many occasions when there was no fuel for them?
§ Sir J. GriggI have given instructions that the stoves shall be loaded and have made quite sure about it. I have not the figures to compare the rate of sickness now with what it was previously when the girls were in billets, but I will see if I can get them. I may tell my hon. Friend—and it may provide him with some consolation—that there are 150 girls in camp, and at present one girl is ill at home, none in hospital and four are in a camp reception station.