HC Deb 28 March 1944 vol 398 cc1229-30
15. Major-General Sir Alfred Knox

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that there are complaints as to the fare provided in N.A.A.F.I. canteens and as to the attitude towards the men of employees, which compares unfavourably with that in Y.M.C.A. and other canteens staffed by voluntary workers; and if he will cause inquiry to be made.

Sir J. Grigg

I am not aware of any such general complaint and I do not think an inquiry is necessary. If my hon. and gallant Friend will send me particulars of specific complaints they will be immediately investigated.

Sir A. Knox

Is not there a general idea that the fare supplied by N.A.A.F.I. is inferior to that supplied by the Y.M.C.A. and other voluntary organisations?

Sir J. Grigg

A general idea is one thing and a general complaint is another. I think we had better proceed from the specific to the general.

Mr. Rhys Davies

In view of the slur cast upon N.A.A.F.I. in this Question, will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that serving behind a N.A.A.F.I. counter is quite different from serving behind a Y.M.C.A. counter?

Mr. Evelyn Walkden

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the conditions and the quality of the food supplied by Y.M.C.A. canteens vary from place to place just as much as in N.A.A.F.I.?

Sir J. Grigg

I am quite prepared to agree with that.

Mr. Astor

Is my right hon. Friend not aware that there is a very considerable disparity between the service given by N.A.A.F.I. and that given by the Allied organisations and will he take steps to bring it up to the same level?

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