HC Deb 22 August 1945 vol 413 cc600-1
29. Mr. Murray

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he has considered the correspondence sent him by the hon. Member for Spennymoor complaining of conditions in the Far East, amongst others, of having to sleep in a carriage open to rain, of lack of food for three days, of having to depend on an engine driver for hot water to make tea, of the restaurants at stations toeing put out of bounds for other ranks because officers were having food; and whether he will improve these conditions which are a source of dissatisfaction to the men concerned.

Mr. Strachey

Yes, Sir. Conditions of railway travel for Servicemen in India are often unsatisfactory. One of the difficulties arises from the world-wide shortage of rolling stock. Improvements have recently been made by the Government of India, and the matter is under constant examination. I am inquiring into the feeding arrangements to which my hon. Friend refers, and I will communicate with him.

Mr. Murray

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that matters like this are very disturbing to wives and families, and will he treat this question as one of great urgency?

Mr. Strachey

I will certainly do that.

Mr. Stephen

Can the hon. Gentleman say why these restaurants were put out of bounds for other ranks?

Mr. Strachey

That is precisely the matter into which I am inquiring.