§ Mr. G. Thomasasked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware 1294W of the discontent caused in Unit 5771 of S.U., S.E.A.A.F., due to the cut in rations allowed when there is a good supply of foodstuffs available in the canteen; and what steps he is taking to remedy this discontent.
§ Mr. StracheyMy hon. Friend has suggested that while there is food for the canteen it is not available for this Unit's rations. In fact, canteen stocks would be on far too small a scale to provide what is needed for the ration. We realise that there have been, and still are, some difficulties in obtaining the full scale or proper variety of rations for members of the Air Force in South Burma generally. It has been explained that these difficulties have been due to shortage of ship'-ping and to the sudden need of providing for many former prisoners-of-war and internees. There has already been some improvement and, though there is still a lack of variety, the full quantity of rations is now available for R.A.F. units in South Burma, except for a half-issue of bacon, sausages and cooking oil. The Command hope to make up these deficiencies soon and to vary the rations by providing more frozen meat and ordinary vegetables flown down by air. We are also consulting the War Office, who are responsible for these food supplies.