HC Deb 19 December 1944 vol 406 cc1596-8
23. Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now satisfied that the supply of thick woollen socks to the troops in Italy is adequate; and whether the shortages in the unit, of which he has been advised, reported to him by cable on 11th December, have now been made good.

Sir J. Grigg

I received through the British Embassy in Rome peremptory instructions from the hon. Member for Ipswich (Mr. Stokes) to send to a certain formation 10,000 pairs of thick socks from England by air. This was somewhat of a surprise to me as I know that there are reserves of thick socks in the theatre amounting to several millions of pairs, and, moreover, unit or formation commanders are usually very ready in asking for stores for their men if they think they are wanted and are available: However, I telegraphed to Italy and received the answer that this formation was well supplied with socks. The hon. Member has informed me that the unit commanders and the formation commander all told him that they were short. Obviously I shall clear up this apparent conflict of testimony as soon as possible. All I can say in the meantime is that I am assured that the holdings of thick socks in Italy were and are ample to provide for this formation.

Mr. Stokes

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I was with the formation in question; that they complained of the shortage, and that they could not get adequate stocks, and that the telegram I sent him was not in the least peremptory, but was most courteous?

Sir J. Grigg

Of course standards differ. All I can say is that there is a conflict of testimony, and obviously it will have to be cleared up, and I shall clear it up.

Mr. Stokes

On this question of courtesy, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Ambassador drafted the telegram?

Sir J. Grigg

I think I had better bring to the notice of the Chancellor of the Exchequer that the Ambassador in Rome is sending telegrams at public expense which ought not to be sent at public expense.

Mr. Shinwell

Will the right hon. Gentleman inquire into this allegation that our Ambassador in Italy sent a telegram to the War Office regarding military affairs? Is that the function of an Ambassador?

Sir J. Grigg

There is no question of allegation about it. The fact is correct that the Ambassador sent, I presume at the instance of the hon. Member for Ipswich, a telegram on military affairs.