HC Deb 30 November 1932 vol 272 c830W
Sir G. JONES

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Air whether he is aware that a part of the premises of the Air Ministry was lent on Armistice Day to certain persons, who were not ex-service men, for an entertainment; whether any part of the funds raised was used for the benefit of ex-service associations; and whether, for the future, the Department will refuse to lend their premises on Armistice Day for any entertainment unless it is in accord with the sentiments of ex-service men in the Department and ex-service men generally?

Sir P. SASSOON

With regard to the first and third parts of the question, the Air Ministry refreshment club premises were used on the evening of Armistice Day for an entertainment sponsored by one of the Air Ministry athletic associations, which includes in its membership a large proportion of ex-service men. Representations made against the entertainment by certain ex-service members of the staff were received too late to permit of any alteration in the arrangements already completed, but instructions were given that the Department's premises should not be used in future on 11th November for similar entertainments. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.