HC Deb 12 December 1944 vol 406 c1022
10. Mr. Turton

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give instructions that members of the Women's Land Army shall continue to be served at Service canteens in or connected with railway stations, where this has been done in the past, and that similar facilities shall be provided for Women's Land Army members at other station canteens, where, in the opinion of the managing organisation, congestion will not be thereby created.

Sir. J. Grigg

This question has been examined very carefully. These canteens are intended for service men and women. If members of the Land Army were admitted, members of a number of other bodies, such as the N.F.S. when working with the Army, could not in fairness be excluded. I regret therefore, that as long as these facilities, which include equipment and materials in short supply, are limited, members of the Land Army cannot be admitted to them. If they have been admitted anywhere in the past this was no doubt done in ignorance of instructions.

Mr. Turton

Does my right hon. Friend appreciate that the withdrawal of the privilege at this late stage of the war from girls who have done great work in the war effort, will cause great offence?

Sir J. Grigg

When the canteens were started, extra supplies of food were obtained for Service men and women, and I regard myself as under an obligation to the Ministry of Food that the canteens shall be used for the purpose for which the food was granted.