§ 76. Mr. Shinwellasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has now made inquiries into the allegations regarding the arrangements for receiving men of Class Z Reserve at Weybourne Camp, Norfolk, the inadequate facilities for training, and the conditions of kit and accommodation; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HeadYes. Weybourne Camp is a tented camp which has been in use 191W for Territorial and Z Reserve training since 1947. I have myself visited this camp and, in good weather, conditions are satisfactory and there have been few complaints. There were, however, many complaints during the period to which the right hon. Gentleman refers which was one of exceptionally bad weather including wet, cold and, for a period, gales.
No tented camp can be anything but uncomfortable under such circumstances. As a result of various points brought to my notice special steps have been taken to ensure that discomfort shall be reduced to a minimum in bad weather, but no tented camp can be a satisfactory substitute for hutted camps under such conditions.
I have made inquiries into the more detailed points which the right hon. Gentleman has raised and I am writing to him.