HC Deb 02 December 1941 vol 376 cc1000-1
44. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Minister of Labour how many concerts have been given by Entertainments National Service Association artistes since the services of Entertainments National Service Association were first utilised for factories; and what is the amount of public funds expended for this purpose?

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mr. Tomlinson)

Up to the end of October, 1941, approximately 45,000 entertainments for war workers in factories and on building and civil engineering sites had been given by the Entertainments National Service Association, at a cost to public funds of approximately £250,000.

54. Mr. Evelyn Walkden

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the total subsidy paid out of public funds to Entertainments National Service Association?

Sir K. Wood

This Association has no funds of its own and makes no payments. Hitherto, the Corporation of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes has borne the whole cost of the entertainment provided for the Forces through E.N.S.A., but the Treasury have recently agreed to reimburse to N.A.A.F.I. the cost in excess of £600,000 per annum, up to a total limit of £1,000,000 per annum. They will also defray capital charges up to £100,000 per annum. As regards entertainments provided by N.A.A.F.I. for factory workers, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour and National Service is giving to-day to the hon. Member for Bassetlaw (Mr. Bellenger).

Mr. Walkden

Will Members have access to a detailed statement of how the money is spent and an opportunity to examine the figures at some future date?

Sir K. Wood

My hon. Friend will appreciate that the Association has no funds and makes no payments.

Mr. Burke

Is the Chancellor satisfied that he gets value for the money, because in many camps there are complaints about the quality of these entertainments?

Sir K. Wood

In my position, I am never able to be sure that I get value for money in a particular case.

Mr. Bellenger

Is not this particular money contributed direct to N.A.A.F.I., and not to E.N.S.A. at all?

Sir K. Wood

I will look into that point.