HC Deb 19 December 1946 vol 431 cc445-6W
117. Mr. Weitzman

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that in the voyage of H.M. troopship "Esperance bay," by repatriated troops from Trinidad, there was discrimination in treatment between R.A.F. and Army N.C.Os.; and whether he will take steps to see that such discrimination does not recur.

Mr. Bellenger

There was no discrimination between Army and R.A.F. passengers on this ship. Permanent ship's staff, in this case including some Royal Air Force N.C.Os., serve aboard the ship for many voyages and are always, and rightly, given somewhat better accommodation than that available for passengers of equivalent rank.

118. Mr. Weitzman

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that soldiers repatriated from Trinidad in H.M. troopship "Esperance Bay" travelled under conditions in which no heating was provided although the weather was severely cold; that the food was inadequate and poorly cooked, preferential treatment was given to German internees and men travelling with their wives were not permitted to dine with them; and whether he will take steps to ensure that there is no recurrence of such conditions.

Mr. Bellenger

I was not aware that there was trouble with the heating on the. "Esperance Bay" but I am making inquiries and will write to my hon. Friend. Only one complaint was received about the food and this related to the amount of meat served on one troopdeck: the matter was put right at once. I can assure my hon. Friend that no preferential treatment was given to German internees. The-five wives and six children of Servicemen on board were travelling "Cabin Class" and arrangements could not be made for soldiers travelling on troopdecks to dine with them.