HC Deb 19 March 1946 vol 420 cc319-20W
80. Major Digby

asked the Secretary of State for War why a further reduction is being made in the rations of troops serving in Java, as these rations are already below normal scales.

Mr. Lawson

So far as I am aware there has been no reduction in the rations of troops serving in Java. They are receiving the scale previously issued in operational areas of S.E.A.C. The reduction which was made on 1st February elsewhere in S.E.A.C. did not apply to 'the Netherlands East Indies.

87. Mr. Channon

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied that the food and entertainment given to our troops in the Java and Singapore areas are satisfactory; and what complaints he has received from the troops that this is not the case.

Mr. Lawson:

As regards the supply of food to troops in Java and Singapore I would refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. and gallant Member for Western Dorset (Major Digby) today, also to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Hornsey (Mr. Gammans) on Tuesday last.

Entertainment facilities are naturally comparatively restricted in Java although cinema units are available and a few small E.N.S.A. parties have been sent there. There are a number of static and mobile cinemas available in the Singapore area and there is normally at least one E.N.S.A. entertainment going on. Within the limits imposed by such factors as difficulties of transportation I am satisfied that every effort is being made to provide a reasonable standard of entertainment in these areas.