§ 39. Mr. Peter Freemanasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the conditions of travel of soldiers returning to Palestine; that, recently, only one meal consisting of one piece of bread, part of a tinned sausage and a cup of tea was served in 24 hours between Calais and Toulon; that the sleeping accommodation in Toulon was in temporary huts in dirty and unsatisfactory conditions; that the men had to 184 wait over one hour for a hot meal, which was then cold; and what steps are being taken to improve these conditions.
§ 93. Lieut.-Colonel Bolesasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied with arrangements in force for leave parties returning from Palestine to this country via Toulon and Calais; with the conditions on s.s. "Empire Battleaxe" and on the train journey across France; and what steps has he taken in these matters since 15th February, 1947.
§ Mr. BellengerThe arrangements in force for soldiers travelling on this route provide for a hot breakfast at Beaune and haversack rations, and hot drinks on the train. Toulon transit camp was inspected on 24th February, when conditions were found to be satisfactory. During the last few weeks, trains have been unavoidably late owing to the weather, and this was no doubt the cause of the delay referred to by my hon. Friend. This overland route is being closed at the end of this month, and, in future, the all-sea route will be used. There have been no complaints about conditions in the "Empire Battleaxe." This vessel is regarded as quite suitable for the purpose for which it is used.
§ Mr. DribergWould my right hon. Friend say whether adequate notice was given of the inspection at which conditions were found to be satisfactory?