HC Deb 01 February 1944 vol 396 cc1107-8
20. Mr. Reakes

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now in a position to make a statement dealing with the stranding of more than 300 soldiers recently at Wallasey.

Sir J. Grigg

I am informed that the arrangements made to receive these men on the evening they arrived at Wallasey were in some respects inadequate. In particular, the cooker in their billets was defective. In view of the terms of the Question which the hon. Member addressed to me on 18th January, I should perhaps make it clear that the staff of Movement Control were in no way to blame for this. I regret this occurrence, and the appropriate disciplinary action has been taken. I should add that as soon as it was realised that a hitch had occurred the officer in command of the unit, with the assistance of the unit which was responsible for the arrangements, immediately took emergency steps to provide the men with meals, and all the men were duly despatched on leave by six in the evening on the day after their arrival.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Was there any extension of their leave, as this happened owing to a mistake?

Sir J. Grigg

I do not know about that.