HC Deb 30 March 1943 vol 388 cc14-5
16. Mr. Bellenger

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will permit uniformed Members of the National Fire Service who are posted away from their homes to have access to the voluntary Service canteens?

Sir J. Grigg

The admission of personnel of the National Fire Service was fully and sympathetically considered. I regret, however, that the present strain on the canteen services is such that it is impossible to extend its facilities to others than those now catered for.

Mr. Bellenger

Will my right hon. Friend recollect that after considerable pressure in this House he permitted members of the Women's Land Army to have access to voluntary canteens, and will he therefore not extend this to other uniformed Services serving under the Crown?

Sir J. Grigg

Since the case of the Women's Land Army—and I think their case is special—I have had a series of representations from the Ministry of Food exhorting me to reduce the consumption of food in canteens. That seems to me to create a material change in the circumstances.

Mr. Bellenger

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.