Oral Answers to Questions — British Army – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 10 December 1958.
asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the discontent of the men of the 260 Company, R.P.C., Burniston Barracks, Scarborough, Yorkshire, who are clearing bombs off the Yorkshire moors; if he will state the hours they are working away from barracks; on how many days per week; and if he will have an inquiry made into the reasons for the discontent.
These men do about five hours' search of the moors and two hours' travel on 4½ days each week. Wednesday afternoons are free for games. At week-ends leave is granted for 36 or 48 hours. I am not aware of any general discontent over these arrangements.
Is the Minister aware that this does not agree with what the men themselves say? Is he aware that they are doing a dangerous job and that already two men have been injured and one has been killed? Does he realise that the men themselves feel that they are away from the barracks for far too long in view of the work they are doing and that there is general discontent? Will he make some inquiries among the men themselves to find out what they are saying about it?
If the hon. Lady will write to me, I will take up any point she
cares to raise.