15. Mr. Vaneasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the discouraging attendance at weekend camps resulting from the effect of War Office 1984 letter 30/Misc/3399 of 23rd August, 1947; and whether he will arrange that men will not be expected to pay for their rations out of their training expenses allowance when periods of training exceed 24 hours.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe arrangements for attendance at weekend camps are at present under examination.
Mr. VaneWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the training expenses allowance which a man receives at a camp of less than 48 hours is less than Army rates of pay, and that when he is receiving this allowance he is expected to provide his own rations? Will he also remember that normally it is impossible for a man to bring rations from home for a period of 36 hours and that, in consequence, men do not go to camp?
§ Mr. ShinwellI am aware of the alleged defects in the present system, and that is precisely why it is under examination.