§ Captain Pooleasked the Secretary of State for War what recreational and canteen facilities are available for men of a regiment, of which he has been informed, now in Norway; how long after landing were these men compelled to live on Compo rations; and what arrangements are being made to ensure supplies of newspapers and cigarettes and the speedy transmission of mail to and from the British Isles.
§ Sir J. GriggThese troops were flown to Norway at very short notice on 10th May. Since nth May letters and newspapers have been flown to them daily weather permitting and letters have been flown back to this country. For some time they were maintained by air. Until 3rd June Compo rations were sent to them, but they included materials for making fresh bread. I should perhaps remind my hon. and gallant Friend that the troops landed in Normandy last year had to live on Compo rations for a much longer period and many of them were sorry when they changed over to ordinary rations.
As to further arrangements made for these troops, an Entertainment Officer for the Forces has been appointed and has assumed his duties. He is organising unit entertainment, and is authorised to engage local parties. E.N.S.A. entertainment from the United Kingdom is being arranged. Units moved into Norway with amenity stores including wireless sets. A consignment of sports equipment including footballs, boxing gloves, sports clothing and indoor games is being shipped this month. Seven cigarettes a man a day are included in the Compo ration. Very large supplies of N.A.A.F.I. cigarettes were provided and shipped to reach Norway on about 18th May, 1945. Shipment to Norway of regular N.A.A.F.I.supplies, including cigarettes, started on 28th May, 1945. 1506W The necessary staffs required for issuing N.A.A.F.I. stores in bulk to units were also despatched on that date.