§ Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for War what action has been taken to meet the messing complaints of the A.T.S. girls now stationed with C.M.F., of which particulars have been sent to him.
§ Mr. LawsonIt is possible that, at the time of the complaints referred to, the messing of this unit may not have been all that could be desired owing to frequent changes of cooks caused by releases of married auxiliaries and to the fact that their replacements were inexperienced in using the cooking apparatus. To overcome these difficulties a specialist messing officer was posted to the unit and the standard of feeding and cooking was improved. On a recent unexpected visit the food was found to be well cooked and the menu well balanced.
§ Major John Whiteasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that an instruction has been issued that G.H.Q., C.M.F., will close down except for a skeleton staff on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons; that these rest periods are in addition to the one day per week already granted to all personnel; and how he reconciles this instruction with the decision to retain large numbers of officers beyond their release dates on the grounds of a shortage of officers.
§ Mr. LawsonThe arrangement referred to was adopted as the most convenient and economical method of providing for a total of 1½ days' rest in each period of seven days. It does not represent additional time off. Unfortunately, owing to pressure of work, many branches are still unable to take advantage of the facilities and a large percen- 1961W tage continue to work late at night owing to pressure of work. The establishments are under constant review.