§ 71. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that on the night of Saturday, 28th January, a draft of about 150 Gordon Highlanders in transit from Aberdeen to Cyprus were obliged to spend the night in a disused air raid shelter at Goodge Street, London, which was 150 feet below ground and was hot, dirty and unsuitable for that purpose; that the men were obliged to carry their kit down and up about 200 steps and through long tunnels; why they were not given better accommodation; how often this place has been used for this purpose; and if he will take steps to alter this practice.
§ Mr. F. MacleanForty-nine men of the Gordon Highlanders spent the night of 29th January at the London Assembly Centre, which is in the Goodge Street Underground Shelter. This Centre is used almost nightly to put up troops leaving, or returning to, the United Kingdom by air. I am well aware that it is unsuitable for the purpose, but for various good reasons we have not yet been able to provide alternative accommodation. We shall move out as soon as possible, and in the meantime things are made as clean and comfortable as the accommodation permits. There is only one small lift, and troops therefore usually have to carry their kit.