HC Deb 23 November 1943 vol 393 cc1416-7
12. Mr. Loverseed

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will ensure that disabled soldiers returning to this country on troopships are provided with adequate and satisfactory sleeping accommodation?

Sir J. Grigg

The medical boards decide in each case which they examine whether the individual is fit to travel in a troopship or should be embarked in a hospital ship. If a disabled man travels in a troopship special consideration is given to him in allocating his berth. If my hon. Friend knows of a case where unsuitable arrangements were made and if he will send me particulars, I will have them investigated.

13. Mr. Loverseed

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will issue instructions to the appropriate officers that disabled men proceeding on leave from ports of disembarkation from overseas and who are carrying crutches or spare equipment for artificial limbs, shall be provided with a railway warrant to cover the cost of the excess weight carried?

Sir J. Grigg

I understand that it is most unlikely that a charge would be raised in these circumstances, and I do not think it is necessary to issue any general instructions. But if a charge has been raised in any particular case, the War Office will certainly bear the cost.

Mr. Loverseed

Would the right hon. Gentleman investigate the case—which is not an isolated one—of a soldier who was charged excess weight of £1 12s. 11d. for crutches and equipment for artificial limbs?

Sir J. Grigg

As I said in answer to the hon. Member's Question, I will certainly investigate it, and I will also investigate the evidence on which he says that it is not an isolated case.