Mr. De la Bèreasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will confer with the Departments concerned for the purpose of obtaining grants for welfare centres which, having regard to the approach of winter, are of urgent necessity to the troops; and whether he will organise a national publicity campaign in all sections of the Press, in co-operation with the Ministry of Information, to obtain public support, seeing that much of what is wanted is lying in the homes of many awaiting surrender?
§ Mr. EdenConsiderable sums from public funds have already been allotted for expenditure on welfare work, apart from or in conjunction with what is being done by voluntary effort. In many cities1606W and towns, voluntary bodies have provided hostels and clubs for Service men. I am sending a letter to all Lord Mayors, mayors and chairmen of district councils asking for their co-operation with local welfare officers in providing hospitality, recreation and amenities for members of the Forces stationed in their areas, and arrangements are in hand for a general appeal to the public for gifts of money and in kind to provide for the comfort of the troops during the coming winter. If I find that further publicity is required, I shall not hesitate to seek it.