HC Deb 05 December 1949 vol 470 cc1530-1
61. Sir I. Fraser

asked the Secretary of State for War what special arrangements are being made for extra Christmas rations and entertainments for the troops at home and abroad.

Mr. M. Stewart

Arrangements for Christmas fare this year are similar to those in previous years. At home units will be able to purchase poultry, eggs and Christmas puddings through the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes, with their ration cash allowance or regimental funds. At overseas stations a cash grant of ninepence a head for British troops and sixpence a head for local troops is being made in aid of seasonable fare.

Entertainment is primarily the concern of the unit commanders. At home a number of unit amateur theatrical shows will be performed, particularly in hospitals, and on 27th December there will be cinema shows in most of the theatres of the Army Kinema Corporation. In overseas stations a special Christmas broadcast, for which 13 well-known artists have given their services free, will be given and there will be various professional and amateur shows, cabarets and cinema performances.

Sir I. Fraser

Does the first part of the answer mean that no extra rations are given to them' and that they can only buy out of their existing cash?

Mr. Stewart

That is so at home, and the arrangements overseas are as I have described.