§ Mr. R. Morganasked the Secretary of State for War if he will ask his welfare officers in London to report as to whether cheap, adequate and popular means of entertainment exist for all Allied ex-Service men during the coming long winter evenings and especially the maintenance of dance halls to which all ranks can resort.
§ Sir J. GriggSeveral thousand free tickets for theatres are issued each week through Army Welfare in London District to Service men and women of all nations. A number of well organised Service clubs with dancing also are fully used by members of the Allied Services.
§ Sir R. Gowerasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the approach of winter, he will instruct his welfare officers, both in London and in the provinces, to ascertain whether the means of entertainment for all Service men and women and especially those on leave, are adequate so that any deficiencies in this respect can at once be remedied.
§ Sir J. GriggThe entertainment of Service men and women in London otherwise than on leave is the responsibility of the General Officer Commanding, London District, and I am satisfied that such entertainment is properly organised. The provision of entertainment for Service personnel on leave is a more difficult matter: the need is chiefly for cheap admission to organised entertainment, which must necessarily be that already provided commercially to the civil population, and also for clubs which afford opportunities of dancing and refreshment. It is not practicable for His Majesty's Government to undertake the responsibility for running entertainment on a commercial scale. A number of theatrical managements have for a considerable time generously provided free seats to Service personnel in London through Army Welfare Services.