HC Deb 01 June 1943 vol 390 cc6-7
11. Flight-Lieutenant Challen

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, having regard to the fact that the Army Billeting Order (Statutory Rule and Order, 1943, No. 727), contains no explanatory memorandum, he can state briefly what changes it involves?

Sir J. Grigg

I will gladly circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT a table showing how the new billeting rates compare with the old ones.

Mr. Levy

Why was this Order given without any explanatory memorandum?

Sir J. Grigg

I cannot answer that without notice. I imagine it was assumed to be clear on the face of it. If it was not, I will circulate an explanation.

Sir H. Williams

Did not the Home Secretary last Wednesday say that there would be an explanatory memorandum in all necessary cases?

Mr. Levy

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Home Secretary gave a definite pledge to me, and to the House in general, that explanatory memoranda would be attached to these Orders when they were involved?

Sir J. Grigg

I think that was subsequent to this Order.

Mr. Shinwell

Why should the Government have to explain every trifling matter?

Following is the table:

— Old rates. New rates.
Billet with attendance. 6d. each man per night 8d. each man per night.
Preparation and cooking of food. 4d. first man per day 3s. 2d each man per day covering both provision and preparation.
2d. others per day
Food 2s. 7d. per man per day
Heat 2s. 6d. per week for each fire provided for the sole use of the billetee(s) (winter only). 3d. per day per man (winter), and 1d. per man per day (summer), assuming all services (fire, extralight and laundering) are provided.
Light 6d. per week per billete (winter).
3d. per week per billet (summer) (where extra light is provided).
Laundery (of bed linen) 7d. per man per week
Hot baths 4d. per hot bath provided 1d. per day when hot baths are provided.