HC Deb 25 March 1941 vol 370 cc409-10
14. Mr. Gallacher

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that four soldiers and non-commissioned officers were refused service at Gibbons' Café, High Street, Watford, on 7th March, the reason adduced being that only officers could be served there; and whether he will take steps to make known to the proprietor of this establishment and the catering trade generally that discrimination as between officers and other ranks cannot be tolerated.

Captain Margesson

It appears that some misunderstanding has arisen over the reasons why the soldiers in question were refused admittance to the café to which the hon. Member refers. I am informed that the é is normally open to all ranks, but that on the evening of 7th March it had been reserved for a private party by officers, and was, therefore, closed to the general public. There was no question of discrimination against other ranks as such, and any discrimination of this kind would be directly counter to War Office policy.

Mr. Gallacher

Is it not the case that the reason for the refusal to serve these rain-drenched soldiers was that a party of officers was going to use the restaurant? Can the Minister conceive of the restaurant owner refusing to serve four officers if they had come in such conditions?

Captain Margesson

I do not accept that suggestion at all. I have given the full facts. It is quite clear that if a restaurant owner wishes to allow his premises to be reserved on any occasion by a party, he is entitled to.

Mr. Gallacher

Would that restaurant proprietor have refused to serve four officers who were rain-drenched and suffering from cold, as these men were?

Sir Irving Albery

Is it not perfectly clear that if a party of soldiers may take a restaurant, officers are equally entitled to do so?