§ 49. Mr. Lipsonasked the Minister without Portfolio what progress has been made in implementing the changes in Service conditions announced by Field-Marshal Lord Montgomery and Air-Marshal Lord Tedder.
§ Mr. AlexanderBoth the War Office and the Air Ministry have issued instructions for the reduction of parades, guards and fatigues, the institution of request hours, the increase of freedom off duty at weekends and overnight, and on other similar points which restore and extend prewar privileges. These instructions are intended, without relaxing the discipline and efficiency of the Services, to give liberties and privileges to all ranks comparable to those enjoyed in civilian life. Good progress has been made in implementing them. Plans have also been made for improved living accommodation both for the Army and the R.A.F., but progress in this direction must necessarily be slower 1154 in present circumstances. As much as possible is, however, being done within the limits of available resources.
§ Mr. LipsonCan my right hon. Friend say whether commanding officers are completely cooperative in this matter?
§ Mr. AlexanderCertainly—if anyone proves not to be so, I am sure that it would be taken notice of.
§ Mr. PiratinCan the Minister say whether the conditions of the s.s. "Empress of Scotland" at Liverpool?—
§ Mr. SpeakerMr. Hughes.
Mr. H. D. HughesWill the right hon. Gentleman indicate whether, in the statement he has made about request hours, it also covers representations on collective grievances and suggestions?
§ Mr. AlexanderI think so, but I should like to have notice of that.
§ Captain CrookshankWill the right hon. Gentleman say what he meant just now when he said that progress in improving accommodation must be slower—slower than what?
§ Mr. AlexanderThe rate of progress will be slower than in the other welfare matters I have mentioned, because we are short of labour, materials and so on.