HC Deb 31 July 1930 vol 242 cc713-4W
Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will inquire into the conditions prevailing at the Moascar Camp, Egypt, where the types of buildings provided do not offer suitable protection in such a climate; whether he can have these buildings replaced by stone ones; whether he is aware that neither proper shutters nor fly-netting is provided; that there is an insufficiency of electric fans owing to the restriction of the electricity supply permitted to be used; that there is a Shortage of refrigerators; that there are no proper recreation grounds owing to the stinting of the water supply; that in winter no heating is provided; that generally the whole camp does not contain proper amenities, particularly in view of its isolated situation; and whether he can hold out any hope that greater consideration will be shown to those who are stationed in this place?

Mr. SHAW

I can assure the hon. Member that the desirability of supplying allowances are the same in both countries. Ration, fuel and light allowances are fixed locally to represent the appropriate scale of issues in kind. They differ in Egypt and the Sudan only in so far as the prices of commodities differ, and in the case of fuel in so far as the allowance in Egypt is based on an issue of coal, while that in the Sudan is based on an issue of wood. The latest rates of locally fixed allowances have not yet been reported to the War Office.

amenities for the troops at Moascar is fully appreciated at the War Office. Various measures are at present in hand, such as an irrigation scheme, which will provide tree belts, gardens and a playing park for children, and other services are under consideration. The hon. Member will understand that final arrangements in Egypt must depend on any treaty agreed upon between her and ourselves.