HC Deb 23 April 1940 vol 360 cc15-6
30. Mr. Charles Brown

asked the Secretary of State for War whether there is any Army regulation which prevents private soldiers and non-commissioned officers when invited to dances, dinners and social gatherings in hotels and other premises where officers are billeted from attending such functions; and whether officers would be entitled to protest against privates and non-commissioned officers attending such functions in part of premises not wholly occupied by them but within which they have accommodation?

Mr. Stanley

As has been previously stated, instructions have been issued making it clear that officers and soldiers are not prohibited from frequenting the same clubs, hotels or restaurants. If officers are billeted in an hotel and rooms are reserved for their private use, they would be entitled to protest if anyone other than members of the mess or their guests made use of them. If, however, entertainments are held in any of the public rooms of the hotel, the fact that some part of the building is reserved for officers does not modify the instructions laid down.