HC Deb 03 June 1947 vol 438 cc3-7
9. Mrs. Braddock

asked the Secretary of State for War when the hon. Member for the Exchange Division of Liverpool may expect the report of his promised inquiries regarding socks and underpants issued to certain Service personnel in Egypt.

Mr. Bellenger

One hundred and fifty pairs of socks from Army comforts were issued by the unit concerned as normal replacements owing to temporary shortage of Army pattern socks, the intention being that they should be replaced free by an additional issue when worn out. This was an isolated instance which occurred in quite exceptional circumstances. The pants complained of were of Indian manufacture and were issued in Italy to eke out stocks which were short owing to the closing of supply installations in connection with the withdrawal from Italy. All garments of this kind are to be exchanged.

Mrs. Braddock

Is my right hon. Friend aware that a complaint with reference to this matter was made by one of the personnel of the regiment to the right hon. Member for Woodford (Mr. Churchill), and that immediately on receipt of it the person who wrote to the right hon. Member for Woodford was severely remanded by his commanding officer? Will he have some inquiries made into it?

Mr. Bellenger

I cannot answer for the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Woodford (Mr. Churchill), but if the hon. Member will give me any information in connection with that matter I will certainly look into it.

Mrs. Braddock

I have already given it.