HC Deb 09 March 1944 vol 397 cc2173-4
19. Miss Ward

asked the Secretary of State for India what arrangements he has been able to make with the Secretary of State for War and the authorities in India with regard to increased personnel for service welfare.

The Secretary of State for India (Mr. Amery)

Eighteen welfare officers provided by the War Office have already arrived in India. A further 60 have been asked for and 15 of these will leave shortly; it is hoped to provide the remainder during the next two or three months. In addition, four E.N.S.A. parties are now operating in India and the South East Asia Command and further parties are on their way. It is hoped to raise the number of parties in this area to about 12. A senior official of Toc H has also been invited to visit India to ascertain what Toc H can do to help in providing amenities, particularly in the forward areas.

Miss Ward

Are the welfare officers who have already arrived there experienced officers, and what is their rank?

Mr. Amery

They are experienced officers, mostly of the rank of major.

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