§ Sir H. Williamsasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the great dissatisfaction existing in many Army units who, whilst ordered to draw up and send in daily returns, often of considerable number and length, are not provided with a typewriter; whether he will have machines supplied or have the returns made fewer or done away with altogether; and will he reconsider the cases of officers who have supplied their own typewriters, which have been destroyed owng to enemy action, but who have been refused any compensation or replacement?
§ Mr. LawIt is the policy of my Department to provide typewriters for units wherever the work is known to justify their use. I am aware, however, that the delivery of authorised issues has been delayed in some cases as a result of a shortage of supply, which it is hoped will be eased in the near future. As regards the possibility of reducing the number of returns required from units, this aspect of the problem is at present being systematically examined by my Department. In cases where officers have supplied their own typewriters in place of official machines because the latter are not available, I am prepared to consider the payment of compensation for losses due to the exigencies of military service, and if my hon. Friend has any particular case in mind, I shall be glad to look into it.