§ Mr. Hewlettasked the Secretary of State for India if he will consider obtaining from India and publish in the autumn a Report on the working of welfare arrangements for the British troops in India and Burma.
§ Mr. AmeryYes, Sir. After my Noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State for India has completed his consultations with the authorities in India of which I informed the House yesterday, I propose to publish a full account of the welfare arrangements in the India Command for the information of hon. Members.
§ Sir A. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for India what is the average supply of beer per head in the 14th Army; and what is the price charged.
§ Mr. AmeryThe present scale of provision of beer for British troops in India generally is three quart bottles a month per man. Every effort is made to provide this quantity to troops of the 14th Army, but difficulties of transport on the Indo-Burma frontier are, of course, formidable. Most of this beer is locally produced and sells at 14 annas per quart bottle in Government canteens.
§ Mr. Muffasked the Secretary of State for India whether he can now make a statement regarding length and conditions of service of British troops in India; what reduction in terms of years does he propose to make; and whether welfare services have been extended and improved.
§ Mr. AmeryThe period of service of British troops in India is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State458W for War, and I would refer the hon. Member to the full statement which he made to the House on the 26th September. As regards conditions of service, I have nothing to add to the announcement made in the recent White Paper on additional financial benefits for members of the Forces. As regards welfare, I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made in the House yesterday.
§ Mr. Shephardasked the Secretary of State for India whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction of British troops serving on the Indo-Burma front at the lack of amenities; and what steps he proposes to take to remedy this complaint.
§ Mr. AmeryWelfare in South-East Asia Command itself is a matter for which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for War is responsible, though in existing circumstances South-East Asia Command is to a large extent dependent on the co-operation and assistance of the Government of India. So far as the Government of India's services are concerned I would refer the hon. Member to the statement which I made in the House yesterday.