§ 66. Mr. Austinasked the Minister of Transport whether he will cause an inquiry to be made into conditions aboard transports returning home, with particular reference to the "Stirling Castle," in which 125 W.R.N.S. and V.A.D. are 2349 quartered in the swimming pool without any ventilation whilst Australian war brides are given cabin accommodation; and whether he will take steps to ensure that girls who have volunteered for foreign service are not again submitted to such treatment.
§ Mr. BarnesAll troop transports are fitted in accordance with regulations approved, by the Service Departments. Every troopship is inspected on each occasion prior to embarkation, in order to satisfy the authorities concerned that conditions on board comply fully with those regulations. No reason for special inquiry exists unless a complaint is raised by the responsible Service authorities. So far as the "Stirling Castle" is concerned, the space above the swimming pool is provided with modern mechanical ventilation and is fitted with 263 berths in tiers. The ship has just arrived in this country and I have called for a report. I will communicate with my hon. Friend when I have examined it.
§ Mr. AustinIs the Minister aware that it might perhaps be wiser to take the viewpoint of the Service personnel and not the Service authorities in the form of a complaint from a V.A.D. or W.R.N.S. and will he give the assurance I asked for in the second part of my Question that V.A.Ds. and W.R.N.S. who volunteer for foreign service will not be discriminated against in that war brides are given accommodation in preference to them?
§ Mr. BarnesI cannot go into the question of individual representations from these people. As to the second point, I am looking further into that matter.