§ 11. Mr. George Craddockasked the Secretary of State for War how many men in the Army in the United Kingdom are sleeping in two-tier bunks; and if he will state the figures and name the camps where this is still the practice.
§ Mr. HeadThe number varies from day to day but, on average, fewer than 900 soldiers in the Active Army are now sleeping in two-tiered bunks, many as a temporary measure because of reconstruction of accommodation or because units are in transit. In addition, during the training season, there are about 1,700 such beds in use at camps by reservists carrying out their 15 days' annual training. I have written to the hon. Member giving the details.
§ Mr. CraddockWhile thanking the Minister for the very full details of camps and of men living under these unfortunate conditions, does he not agree that the more we improve the accommodation and amenities of these men, the more likely we are to get them to volunteer for a professional Army?
§ Mr. StracheyDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that, just because this is a small number, it would be worth a great effort to sweep it away altogether, because this sort of condition is probably a greater detriment to recruiting even than rates of pay which may be thought not adequate?