HC Deb 30 March 1943 vol 388 c11
8. Mr. Thorneycroft

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been directed to the fact that the military authorities suggested there should be a special entrance for officers at the new Young Men's Christian Association centre near London Road Station, Manchester; and, as this is not in accord with the policy of the War Office, will he make it clear that the special entrance can be used by all serving in the Armed Forces?

Sir J. Grigg

I understand that the entrance referred to gives access to a Y.M.C.A. club for officers which happens to be under the same roof as the new Y.M.C.A. Centre. I am not aware that there has been any breach of War Office policy. I have just been informed that the Y.M.C.A. have decided to use all the accommodation at the building referred to for other ranks and provide the officers' club elsewhere.

Mr. Thorneycroft

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that officers and men have been found dining together throughout the land, and is it not a waste of labour and material to build special entrances, particularly in these democratic days?

Sir J. Grigg

It is not a question of a special entrance; it is a question of two separate clubs in the same building.