§ 28. Mr. Lipsonasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the men in the naval barracks, of which the name has been sent to him, can be provided with two blankets each instead of only the one they are given at present.
Mr. AlexanderThe issue of an extra blanket to ratings accommodated in the main blocks of the naval barracks referred to is not considered necessary, as these buildings are warmed by fires or central heating. Extra blankets can be issued on loan on application, and men accommodated in temporary huts in outlying camps are automatically provided with additional blankets.
§ Mr. LipsonIs my right hon. Friend aware that many of these ratings are young men who are not yet hardened to naval life, and who suffer great inconvenience from the present arrangements? Is it not a fact that they have to pay if they want the loan of additional blankets?
§ Mr. LipsonWill the Minister give the matter further consideration? The blankets are there. Why should they not be made available?
Mr. AlexanderIf there is real need for a loan blankets are issued. I rather suspect that this particular complaint may have been caused by the fact that during the cold snap the men of these barracks, like all other citizens, were recently under the heating ban for about a week.