§ 6. Rear-Admiral Beamishasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the increasing contacts of the National Fire Service with the Armed Forces, he is now prepared to consider members of the National Fire Service making use of Young Men's Christian Association and other similar unofficial canteens on the same basis as the members of the Armed Forces?
Sir J. GriģģI regret that the strain on the canteen services is such that it is in general impossible to extend its facilities to others than those now catered for. Arrangements are, however, being made that members of the National Fire Service and the Civil Defence Reserve should be admitted to canteens run by voluntary organisations in large scale exercises when they and the Army are jointly engaged in operational duties.
Rear-Admiral Beamish: Is it not a fact that some units of the National Fire Service are working intimately with the military Forces abroad, and, if so, does that not affect the question?
Sir J. GriģģThe hon. and gallant Member will observe that I said that in the case of their being engaged in operational exercises together, an exception will be made.