§ 87. Mr. Keelingasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has considered the evidence sent him that the 271st Battery arrived from the Far East recently without adequate arrangements being made, either beforehand or during the succeeding five weeks, for proper housing, messing or winter clothing; and whether he has any statement to make.
§ Mr. LawsonYes, Sir. I much regret this incident, which was due to the very late arrival of information regarding the draft. The arrangements made were the best that could be improvised at short notice, but I realise that this did not prevent discomfort to the troops concerned. I am taking steps which I hope will prevent a recurrence.
§ Mr. KeelingDoes the Secretary of State not think that five weeks after the unit arrived is too long an interval before arrangements could be made?