16. Mr. Amoryasked the Secretary of State for War what steps he has in hand to improve the amenities for the troops of the Middle East Land Forces in the Canal Zone.
§ Mr. StracheyAmenities in the Suez Canal Zone have been improved. Some further improvements are being carried out locally from public and non-public welfare funds. In the case of Middle East Land Forces, grants from such funds have amounted to some £18,000 in the last 12 months. Some £600,000 is being spent in the current year in providing additional married quarters and making improvements to single accommodation and communal establishments.
Mr. AmoryWill the right hon. Gentleman make sure that every possible speed is made particularly with the provision of better temporary married quarters, and will he ensure, in spite of the many pressing problems with which his Department is confronted at the present time, that the needs of the M.E.L.F. are not forgotten?
§ Mr. StracheyI quite agree with the hon. Gentleman. This is one of the most difficult problems which face us, but the figures show that active steps are being taken.
§ Mr. RemnantIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that at the end of the war there was a very considerable semiofficial welfare fund called "The Canal Area Welfare Fund"? Is it still in existence?