HC Deb 08 November 1939 vol 353 cc199-200
29. Miss Ward

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the desirability of ensuring equal distribution of gifts of all kinds made by people of this country to the men in all Services, it is the intention of the Service Departments to introduce a properly coordinated scheme which would be recom mended for support to everyone who is anxious to make a contribution?

Mr. Shakespeare

A Joint Services Committee has been set up representing the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force, to ensure the equitable distribution of gifts which are not specifically designated for any one of the Services. Gifts which the donors desire to go to one particular Service are dealt with by the various organisations set up by each of the Service Departments. Details of these have been published in the Press.

Miss Ward

Is my hon. Friend going to recommend to the various Commands that a co-ordination committee be appointed in every Command by the three Services, so that proper publicity may be given to the matter and that people shall not be anxious about what appears to be dis-co-ordination?

Mr. Shakespeare

I am satisfied that this is the most practicable means of coordinating the distribution.