§ 106. Mr. Longdenasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that men of the 274 H.A.A. Battery, R.A., are unable to sleep or rest at night because they are overrun with rats, cockroaches and other vermin; and if he will institute a general inquiry, with a view to making all camps fit for habitation.
§ Mr. BellengerThe camp in which this unit is accommodated has only recently been taken over by the War Department. It is reported that the camp is not over-run by vermin as is alleged in the Question, but that some infestation existed in a detached gun site separate from the rest of the camp about six months ago. This infestation is now completely cleared. Before any camp is occupied by a military unit it is inspected by the local military authorities, including a medical officer, to ascertain whether or not it is fit for occupation: this being the normal procedure, I do not think that any general inquiry as suggested by my hon. Friend is necessary.