HC Deb 03 October 1944 vol 403 cc736-7
37. Mr. Quintin Hogg

asked the Secretary of State for War what N.A.A.F.I. or canteen arrangements are available for British troops in Italy; and why they compare unfavourably with those available for Dominion and American troops.

75. Sir G. Jeffreys

asked the Secretary of State for War what arrangements are made by N.A.A.F.I. for the refreshment and entertainment of British troops in Rome and other Italian cities; and how such arrangements compare with those made for Dominion and American troops.

The Secretary of State for War (Sir James Grigg)

I am glad to have the opportunity of removing certain misunderstandings which appear to exist on this subject. On 10th August N.A.A.F.I. opened a club in Rome capable'of accommodating 5,000 troops a day. It houses cafeterias, snack bars, soda fountains, games rooms, music rooms, lounges, a gift shop, a library, a barber's shop, a photographer's, orchestras, cinemas and other amenities. There is also a chapel and a chaplain. A club has also been opened in the Royal Palace at Naples and it provides similar facilities on an even larger scale. The welfare (as opposed to catering) side of these clubs is in the hands of members of the W.V.S. and having seen both clubs for myself within the last month or five weeks I can testify to the admirable work which is being done. Indeed neither club has anything to fear from comparison with those provided for Dominion and American troops. There are smaller clubs and restaurants in other Italian towns and it is intended to open others, for example, in towns which have recently been captured, such as Florence and Ancona if it is found that they are required. Incidentally, in addition to the N.A.A.F.I. Club there are in Rome other clubs for British soldiers, notably one run by the Y.M.C.A., and there are British restaurants run by the Army where soldiers can get meals without impinging on civilian supplies.

Mr. Hogg

While greatly reassured by my right hon. Friend's reply, may I ask if he saw the letter that appeared in "The Times" during the Recess; and if things are as good as his reply would indicate, how could such a detailed series of charges appear in the Press from, apparently, an entirely bona fide source?

Sir J. Grigg

That I cannot understand.

Sir G. Jeffreys

While very much reassured by my right hon. Friend's reply may I ask if he is aware that there is a feeling among the troops in Italy that they are rather in a backwater and are not considered to be, so to speak, on a par with the troops fighting in North-Western Europe; and will he make certain that the utmost publicity is given to the fact that the arrangements are as good for them as for Dominion and American troops?

Sir J. Grigg

I have answered the second part of the question. I found no impression among the troops in Italy that they were a forgotten Army.

Mr. Evelyn Walkden

While I would not question in any way the efficiency and the wonderful organisation of clubs in Italy, will the right hon. Gentleman tell us something about N.A.A.F.I. supplies to troops in advanced positions in the forward line? Will he tell us for instance about beer and cigarette supplies and other things which are very important for troops in advanced positions?

Sir J. Grigg

That does not arise out of the Question, which deals with the back areas, but perhaps the hon. Member will put a question down.