HC Deb 02 November 1948 vol 457 cc658-60
17. Mr. Hurd

asked the Secretary of State for War if he will arrange for young soldiers while in training to have rations at least equivalent to those provided for heavy workers in industry.

Mr. Shinwell

Units engaged in training young soldiers receive a supplementary ration which adds some 400 calories to the basic ration. This is considered to bring the ration of the young soldier approximately into line with that available to civilians performing comparable work, so far as it is possible to make a comparison.

Mr. Hurd

Is the Minister aware that these boys of 18 who are doing hard physical work in their first months of training are not getting anything after a meal at 4.30 in the afternoon?

Mr. Shinwell

That is hardly correct because supper is laid on for all the units. It sometimes happens that the boys prefer to go to the N.A.A.F.I. or other convenient centres for meals rather than partake of the Army supper, but that is a matter of taste.

Mr. Hurd

Is the Minister aware that while supper may be laid on, quite often it is not available?

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Is my right hon. Friend aware that almost invariably these young recruits are gaining in weight as a result of Army rations?

Mr. Shinwell

I detect no diminution in their stature.

Mr. Keeling

Will the Secretary of State for War at least consider increasing the ration of bread, which is unrationed for heavy workers? The amount provided in the Services is quite inadequate for young soldiers.

Mr. Shinwell

Any increase in the ration must apply generally to the Forces——

Mr. Keeling

I said so.

Mr. Shinwell

—and therefore the question ought to be addressed to another quarter.

Mr. Nicholson

If cases are brought to the right hon. Gentleman's attention where supper is not provided, will he look into the matter?

Mr. Shinwell

I am surprised to hear a suggestion of that kind, but if the hon. Member brings to my notice a matter of that sort, I will certainly do what I can to rectify it.

22. Mr. John Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for War if, in view of the present large potato supplies, he will consult with the Ministry of Food and restore the Army potato ration from 12 oz. to 1 lb.

Mr. Shinwell

When the Army potato ration was reduced last winter from 16 oz. to 12 oz., the bread ration was increased by 1 oz., which is nutritionally equivalent; units were, however, no longer allowed to take potatoes in place of bread or flour. Since potatoes have become more plentiful they have again been allowed to do so, although the extra bread ration remains on the scale. They can also buy additional supplies with the cash element of the ration. The potato ration is therefore not limited to the basic scale of 12 ozs. No alteration in the present arrangement seems necessary.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Could the right hon. Gentleman say whether the 400 calories increase for young soldiers, which he mentioned in a reply to an earlier Question, is drawn from the source of potatoes?

Mr. Shinwell

It might well be, but I cannot say.