HC Deb 03 August 1939 vol 350 cc2672-4W
Mr. White

asked the Secretary of State for War whether arrangements will be made in future for militiamen to be posted to their county or other local units?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

This is arranged so far as is possible, but in some cases the location of the training units makes it necessary to post men away from their own districts.

Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that militiamen stationed at Arrowe Park camp, Upton, Birkenhead, are writing home to their parents complaining about the food provided for them; and whether he will take steps to remedy this?

Sir V. Warrender

This camp has been frequently visited by catering officers, and no such complaints have been brought to notice.

Mr. Dobbie

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he is aware that Mrs. J. Chandley, of Carlisle, a widow, has been refused a dependant's allowance although her grandson, who lived with her and supported her, has been called up as a militiaman, and has made her an allotment of 3s. 6d. per week; and will he inquire into the circumstances with a view to correcting this anomaly;

(2)whether he is aware that Mrs. Gallagher, of Carlisle, has been refused an allowance in respect to her dependance on her son who has been called to serve as a militiaman, and has made the necessary allotment to his mother; and, as suffering and hardship must accrue from this decision, will he inquire into this case?

Sir V. Warrender

The conditions under which a dependant's allowance can be given are set out in the White Paper (Cmd.6043), and, if the hon, Member has reason to think that the rules have not been rightly applied in either case, perhaps he will send me the militiaman's full name, regiment and Army number, in order that inquiries may be made.

Mr. Dobbie

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will inform the House of the number of camps in the country set up for young militiamen; where they are situated; and the number of these recruits who are under canvas and the number who are in barracks?

Sir V, Warrender

There are 14 Militia camps, in two of which the men are in huts, and, in the others, under canvas. In addition, a number of militiamen are attached to Regular units and are all accommodated in barracks or huts. Altogether, there are 16,524 militiamen in barracks or huts, and 18,843 under canvas.

Following is the list of Militia camps:
Hutted camps:
Catterick. Crookham.
Canvas camps:
Arborfield. Carlisle.
Devizes. Taunton.
Yeovil. Ayr.
Blandford. Hereford,
Oswestry. Kinmel.
Saighton. Harrogate.

Mr. Thurtle

asked the Secretary of State for War whether militiamen or ordinary recruits on enlistment are free to declare themselves as being without religious beliefs if they wish to do so; and whether there are any penalties or disabilities attached to the making of such a declaration?

Sir V. Warrender

The answer to the first part of the question is "Yes, Sir," and to the second, "No, Sir."