HC Deb 14 December 1939 vol 355 cc1279-80W
Captain Thornton-Kemsley

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that as a result of the ruling that the use of War Department mechanically-propelled vehicles is to be confined to essential training or transport services, reference W.O. letter, 53/general/5272 [Q.M.G. lb] dated 8th September, 1939, as repeated in command and unit orders, troops are being deprived of the opportunity, through lack of transport, of playing football matches away from their stations; and whether he will issue instructions that the use of such vehicles may be sanctioned by commanding officers in cases where it is considered that the lack of such transport, by limiting the scope and character of organised sport, is likely to react unfavourably upon the well-being and morale of the Army?

Mr. Hore-Belisha

The object of the instruction is to save petrol, but exceptions are authorised by the War Office where the maintenance of the restriction would cause hardship.