HC Deb 25 January 1949 vol 460 cc721-2
17. Mr. Hurd

asked the Secretary of State for War if he has now given instructions that supper is to be provided each evening without fail for young soldiers serving in basic training units.

Mr. Shinwell

It is a basic principle that the soldier in mess is entitled to all his meals including supper if he wants it, and Unit Commanders are aware of their responsibility in this matter. If the Men's Messing Committee, which is constituted in every unit, recommends that for local reasons supper is not required for the unit as a whole on a particular night, then a more substantial high tea is served using the food which would have gone into the supper meal, but even in these cases an individual soldier who wants supper as well should be able to get it.

Mr. Hurd

Is the Minister aware that, in fact, young soldiers have had to go to bed hungry, unless they have had money in their pockets to enable them to go to N.A.A.F.I., and will he see that instructions are given that supper is regularly provided?

Mr. Shinwell

Instructions have been issued, and I have given personal attention to this matter, because I have visited some of the camps and have asked the question precisely if that was so. I have been assured in some cases that boys were not very keen about supper, but preferred to go down town and spend what money they had. In those cases where they want supper, the instructions are quite definite that they must have it.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Is the Minister aware that he gave a similar categorical assurance two months ago, and that I have been able to show him that that assurance was based upon information entirely without foundation? Will he therefore see that his present categorical statement has a better chance of success? Is he also telling the House that trainees are represented and know who their representatives are on these messing committees? I can assure the right hon. Gentleman that he has been misled.

Mr. Shinwell

I can only say that, if instructions are received, we expect them to be carried out. If they are not being carried out and information on specific cases is given to me I shall certainly deal with those responsible.

Mr. Nicholson

I have already done that.

Mr. Shinwell

In the case referred to by the hon. Gentleman, he will recall that I inquired into the allegations, and, although in some cases supper was not provided, there was no reason why, if the men asked for it, it should not have been forthcoming.