§ 23. Mr. W. J. Brownasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that on 1st January last an A.T.S. company commander at an Army depot, the name of which has been supplied, seeing dust on top of the coal and coke, ordered a girl to take it into the ablutions and wash off the dust, and that two days later, following a protest about the incident, 40 girls were compelled to take every piece of coal and coke from the bins and wash each piece in the basins; and whether he will take severe measures in future against any misuse of authority of this sort.
Sir J. GriģģThis matter has been fully investigated. The barrack block in question was inspected by the A.T.S. company commander on 1st January, who found that the coal bins had been used as receptacles for all sorts of refuse. She 638 considered the conditions were unhygienic and likely to be unhealthy for the auxiliaries. She and another officer therefore cleaned out one of the bins immediately to some extent. Most of the auxiliaries were then away for the weekend, but as soon as they returned the further cleaning necessary was undertaken by them all. This was, obviously, an unpleasant task, but in the circumstances I do not see that any other course could have been taken.
§ Mr. W. J. BrownIs not the right hon. Gentleman aware that this was not a question of clearing out some bins, but that the girls were required to take each piece of coal separately and wash it in soap and water? Is he further aware that this Question—
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Member is gibing information, not asking for it.
§ Mr. BrownIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Question was raised at no less than three meetings of the company, and that at the end the commanding officer apologised?
Sir J. GriģģThe information given by the hon. Member, while I am certain it is not done intentionally, conceals the fact that these bins were in fact used for something very like lavatories.
§ Mr. Ivor ThomasIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the local branch of the Civil Service Clerical Association, and the staff side of the Whitley Council are thoroughly satisfied with the handling of this matter locally and are indignant that a distorted version of the incident was given to the Press?
Sir J. GriģģI am extremely grateful to my hon. Friend and I think it is entirely proper that the Daniel should come to judgment from the hon. Member's own side.