§ 61. Mr. Boyd-Carpenterasked the Minister of Food for what reason and by whom, was authority given for the holding of a dinner organised by the Bow and Bromley Labour Party at Poplar Town Hall on 8th January, 1948, which was attended by, approximately, 270 people.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe divisional food officer authorised this dinner for the entertainment of old folk and children, in accordance with the Government's policy, which I explained at some length during the Debate in the House on Thursday 27th November.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterIn view of the Parliamentary Secretary's answer, will she consider—if I send her certain photographs taken at the dinner, which make 211 it quite clear that the vast majority of the people attending were neither particularly old nor particularly young, and if the licence was given on the grounds which she has stated—whether it was granted as the result of a false and fraudulent application?
§ Dr. SummerskillI am certainly prepared to look at the photographs, but I must remind the hon. Gentleman that it is very difficult these days to estimate people's ages.
§ Mr. KeelingAs the photographs clearly show that a very large number of the ladies present were much younger than the average ex-Service man, and, possibly, have not rendered so great a service to their country, may we take it that the ban on ex-Service men's dinners will now be removed?
§ Dr, SummerskillNo, Sir.