HC Deb 24 February 1948 vol 447 cc1746-7
11. Mr. N. Macpherson

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that the ration scales appropriate to Sandhurst provide sufficient nourishment for the officer cadets.

Mr. Shinwell

Sandhurst cadets receive the same ration as cadets at Officer Cadet Training Units and as recruits under primary training. This includes the heavy worker's supplement in addition to the normal ration.

Mr. Macpherson

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that those who are undergoing training in Sandhurst are under the severest physical and mental strain at the time when very often they are still growing?

Mr. Shinwell

I am well aware that the cadets have an exceptionally good appetite and I wish I could satisfy them.

Sir Ralph Glyn

Would the Secretary of State bear in mind that the recruits have primary training, and that these cadets should not have their rations reduced below what they were before if they are still doing the same work?

Mr. Shinwell

As regards the reduction of rations in the Services generally, that has already been decided upon. So far as the cadets are concerned, I am fully aware of the difficulty, but I have no power to increase the rations beyond what I have said.

Squadron-Leader Fleming

Is it not a fact that the present ration scale for Sandhurst is higher over all than the civilian ration?

Mr. Shinwell

As I pointed out, their scale includes the heavy workers' supplement, and to that extent it is higher in general than the civilian scale. Nevertheless, it must be admitted that, because of the strain of physical training that these boys experience during the whole of the day, and every day, they have very good appetites.

Mr. Lipson

Can the Secretary of State say whether the ration scales at Sandhurst have been affected by the recent cut in Service rations?

Mr. Shinwell

The cut applies all round.

12. Mr. N. Macpherson

asked the Secretary of State for War what was the sickness rate at Sandhurst during January; and how many cases of fainting on parade were reported.

Mr. Shinwell

The average number of officer cadets at Sandhurst who reported sick daily during the period 17th–31st January was approximately one and a quarter per cent. of the total strength. I would point out, however, that the period was too short to constitute a representative sample. In the same period three officer cadets fell out on parade and reported to the medical officer.

Mr. Macpherson

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the present condition in relation to the statistics available for previous years?

Mr. Shinwell

I cannot provide comparative figures, but, after all, we expect a few people to be sick.