HC Deb 14 December 1943 vol 395 cc1381-2
40. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the criticism by the Director of Army Welfare of the lack of assistance given by British women in India to Army welfare; and what steps he is taking to improve the welfare facilities for British troops serving in that country?

Sir J. Grigg

The answer to the first part of the Question is "Yes, Sir." The second part of the hon. Member's Question is primarily a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for India, and in this connection I would refer him to the reply given to him on 2nd November by the Deputy Prime Minister. The Director of Army Welfare has been to India to study the problems on the spot, and his experience will be available to help in improving the welfare arrangements in India in future.

Mr. Bellenger

Was the Director of Army Welfare sent out on the express instructions of the War Office? Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that many hundreds of thousands of British soldiers are serving in India for whom he himself is responsible, and will he cease this business of passing it on to the Secretary of State for India?

Sir J. Grigg

If my hon. Friend will look at the answer by the Deputy Prime Minister, he will see that I have no intention of passing the buck to anybody or to evade my own responsibility. The Director of Army Welfare was sent out there on our initiative.

Mr. Bellenger

Was a detailed report submitted to the right hon. Gentleman by the Director of Army Welfare before this interview was given, or to the Secretary of State for India?

Sir J. Grigg

I cannot say. I must have notice of that Question.