HC Deb 16 March 1948 vol 448 c1874
39. Mr. Bossom

asked the Secretary of State for War why many soldiers were sent to Liverpool just before Christmas to embark for the Near East only to discover that the ship they were sent to travel in was already full.

Mr. Shinwell

So far as I am aware, no soldiers were sent to Liverpool in the circumstances described in the Question.

Mr. Bossom

Is it not ridiculous to send men to Liverpool when there is no accommodation for them? Does not the right hon. Gentleman use the telephone, or ask his right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport?

Mr. Shinwell

According to my information, the last troopship to leave Liverpool for the Near and Middle East—which left on 20th December—was not full to capacity.

Mr. Bossom

Does the right hon. Gentleman deny the Question on the Paper?

Mr. Shinwell

In view of the way in which the Question was worded, I am bound to deny it.