§ 97. Mr. Profumoasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied with the conditions and amenities of Her Majesty's Forces serving in the Canal zone under existing circumstances.
§ Mr. HeadNo, since improvements can always be made. But my Department is giving all possible help to the commanders on the spot in meeting the difficulties of the present situation.
§ Mr. Remnantasked the Secretary of State for War what is the present ration entitlement of troops in the Canal area of Egypt.
§ Mr. HeadBritish troops in the Canal zone get the ration scale applicable to overseas garrisons generally. This comprises a basic ration and a supplement for men doing strenuous work. The details are lengthy and I am sending them to my hon. Friend.
A special supplement consisting of meat, bacon, rolled oats, potatoes and dried peas or beans, has recently been 121W authorised. This is intended to meet the present abnormal conditions and is issued at the Commander-in-Chief's discretion where some addition, other than the supplement for strenuous work, is justified.
§ Mr. Remnantasked the Secretary of State for War what shortages exist in the normal services provided by Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes in the Canal area of Egypt.
§ Mr. HeadAt the beginning of February, 41 out of the 85 canteens in the Canal zone were being run by units owing to shortage of N.A.A.F.I. staff. During the month 401 volunteers from the staff in this country were flown out to Egypt and N.A.A.F.I have been able to re-staff 27 of these canteens. The remaining 14 canteens continue to be run by units who draw their supplies in bulk from N.A.A.F.I. stores. Other N.A.A.F.I. services are operating as fully as conditions allow.