HC Deb 05 March 1940 vol 358 cc229-30W
Sir Smedley Crooke

asked the Secretary of State for War whether arrangements can be made that men in the national defence companies, anti-aircraft and searchlight units, some of whom are war veterans, can participate in the distribution of cigarettes, comforts, etc., from the various funds to which the public is subscribing, as they are now rarely thought of in this distribution?

Mr. Stanley

The social welfare officers who have been appointed throughout the country are concerned with the welfare of all the troops in the irrespective areas wherever they may be employed. These welfare officers are in close touch with the various organisations providing comforts of one sort or another, and they ensure that all units have an opportunity to participate in their distribution. Special consideration is, in fact, given to the needs of the small and scattered detachments engaged on home defence duties.