HC Deb 27 May 1943 vol 389 cc1739-40
63. Mr. Silkin

asked the Secretary of State for War the reason for an order recently made forbidding the use of War Department transport for the conveyance of brewery products; and, in view of the hardship caused to units which have no Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes canteens, will he make provision to assist such units to obtain necessary supplies of brewery products?

The Financial Secretary to the War Office(Mr. Arthur Henderson):

The instruction referred to was issued in order to cut down the unnecessary use of transport. Arrangements have, however, been made to meet the needs of units and isolated detachments not directly served by N.A.A.F.I. vehicles. The breweries concerned will deliver to the military supply depot from which these units receive their rations and the War Department vehicles which carry rations to the units will carry at the same time the products referred to by my hon. Friend.

Mr. Silkin

Have these arrangements been concluded, and are they in operation?

Mr. Henderson

I think it can be taken that they are in operation, not perhaps throughout the country, but an A.C.I. is about to be issued which will stabilise the position.

Mr. Mathers

Are more necessary products provided for?