HC Deb 05 December 1944 vol 406 cc345-6
41. Mr. McKinlay

asked the Secretary of State for War why men discharged from hospital, after being wounded in Normandy, are living in tents at a convalescent depot in Midlothian, while in nearby camps prisoners of war are comfortably housed in huts.

The Secretary of State for War (Sir James Grigg)

The accommodation at convalescent depots was increased in order to take patients from North West Europe by the erection of marquees. The floors are covered with tarpaulins; they are heated by open fires and lit by electric light. I understand that convalescents are in fact no longer accommodated under canvas, but I am verifying this. The hutted accommodation in which the prisoners of war are housed lacks special facilities and is generally unsuitable for convalescents.

Mr. McKinlay

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that moisture seeps in, and the men's blankets become damp; and is this a proper way to treat men who have just had hospital treatment—to turn them loose under canvas, after they have served at the front?

Sir J. Grigg

The accommodation situation in this country is so difficult that I am afraid that cases of this sort are bound to occur from time to time. I do not think that they occur very often and I hope—and I am verifying my information—that it has now stopped in this particular instance.

Mr. McKinlay

May I have an assurance that men sent to convalescent camps will have a first priority for any hut accommodation that may be available; and could not prisoners be put under canvas?

Sir J. Grigg

I cannot give a categorical assurance of that sort as one does not know the circumstances in each case, but I will certainly give the assurance that we will do our utmost to avoid these occurrences.

Mr. Gallacher

Surely there are a number of large houses in the country which are not occupied and which could be made available for this purpose?

Sir J. Grigg

The whole pressure on me from this House for the last six months has been to release houses as far as possible, in order to make accommodation available for evacuees from London.