HC Deb 20 May 1952 vol 501 cc253-4
27. Mr. Ian Winterbottom

asked the Secretary of State for War what alternative recreational facilities it is proposed to provide for British, Canadian and American personnel when the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes' Club, at Nottingham, is closed down in October.

Mr. Head

This was a war-time club and, when it is closed, it is not proposed to provide other facilities. There is now no major Army unit within Nottingham itself and the Army strength in the neighbourhood is much reduced. I understand that there are three civilian Y.M.C.A.s in Nottingham which welcome Service men passing through the town.

Mr. Winterbottom

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the club is being used by increasing numbers of Canadian and American Service men as well as British personnel and, in view of the fact that this club will continue to be used as a canteen and club by N.A.A.F.I. personnel once it is closed to Army personnel, will the right hon. Gentleman persuade N.A.A.F.I. to allow their military colleagues to share the building with them?

Mr. Head

I am informed that the larger number of men in this area are in the Air Force. The actual military numbers around Nottingham are only about 1,000, and we should not feel justified in keeping a purely Army N.A.A.F.I. going in those circumstances.