HC Deb 18 April 1950 vol 474 cc24-5
44. Major Tufton Beamish

asked the Secretary of State for War what complaints have been received regarding the accommodation and conditions generally in the s.s. "Empire Test," s.s. "Eastern Prince" and s.s. "Empress of Australia," trooping to the Middle East; what is the average number of persons accommodated in each cabin; and whether he is aware that trooping conditions in these ships are worse than were trooping conditions between the wars.

Mr. Strachey

The number of complaints regarding the accommodation and conditions on these vessels is very small compared with the number of passengers carried and in most cases they concern matters which can be rectified during the voyage. The average number of berths per cabin is, in the "Empire Test" 4.4, in the "Eastern Prince" (now renamed "Empire Medway ") 5.5, and in the "Empress of Australia" 7. The shipping position since the war has necessitated the continued employment of these vessels and other troopships which were part of the war-time fleet. They have been considerably improved, but they are scheduled to be withdrawn from service as soon as possible.

Major Beamish

May I ask the Minister not to judge conditions by the small number of complaints he has received, bearing in mind the normal Service procedure? Is he aware that trooping conditions before the war could have been much improved but they are far worse now than they were then, and will he look most carefully into this question?

Mr. Strachey

I would not agree with the last part of the hon. and gallant Gentleman's statement. The solution is to get into service the new troopships which are fitted to quite a new standard. Some are coming into service, and we hope to have all troopships on this new standard within the next two or three years.

Brigadier Head

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the retention in service of these out-of-date troopships is a very poor introduction to foreign service for young National Service men posted overseas?

Mr. Strachey

Yes, Sir. That is why we are bringing these new ships into use.

Mr. Mott-Radclyffe

Will the Minister explain exactly what.5 of a berth means in actual practice?

Mr. Strachey

Evidently the hon. Member is not familiar with the conception of an average.