HC Deb 18 March 1942 vol 378 cc1510-1
51. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Prime Minister who are the members of the National Service Entertainments Board; and why have they met only once in nine months?

Mr. Attlee

The following are the members of the National Service Entertainments Board:

The right hon. Lord May, K.B.E., Chairman. Colonel Frank Benson, C.V.O., C.B.E., General Manager of N.A.A.F.I. Captain R. W. Blacklock, D.S.C., R.N., Admiralty. Lieut.-Colonel P. H. L. Brough, M.C., War Office. C. H. Lefebure, Esq., O.B.E., Treasury Finance Officer. Air-Commodore Harold Peake, Air Ministry. F. W. H. Smith, Esq., C.I.E., Ministry of Labour and National Service. Sir Robert S. Wood, K.B.E., C.B., Board of Education.

The day-to-day work of the Board is carried out largely by the Chairman with the assistance of the Treasury Finance Officer and the Secretary. The Board itself meets whenever a question arises which in the opinion of the Chairman or any member needs consideration by the whole Board. The Finance and Organisation Committee of the Board meet regularly once a month.

Mr. Bellenger

Does that not amount to this position, that this Board is really Lord May, and that it depends entirely on him when the Board is called together, and would my right hon. Friend consider disbanding bodies which serve no useful purpose?

Mr. John Dugdale

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction throughout the Forces as to the entertainment provided by this organisation?

Mr. Attlee

That is another question, but I will certainly bring the point put by my hon. Friend to the persons concerned.

Mr. Evelyn Walkden

Does my right hon. Friend suggest that there has been reason for this Board to meet once only in almost 12 months?

Mr. Attlee

I understand that the Board met on 19th November, 1941, and also on 16th March of this year; that makes two meetings.