§ Mr. Sextonasked the Secretary of State for War whether one of the two only cafes in the village, indicated privately to him, can be released from the ban placed on them to men below commissioned rank and thus provide privates with the amenity of an outside meal-house, and whether he will inquire into the difficulty of obtaining cigarettes in the Young Men's Christian Association canteen?
§ Sir J. GriggApart from two short periods in the day in the case of one cafe and one short period in the case of the other, both cafes and the Y.M.C.A. are, I understand, open to other ranks. Some such restriction on the use of these small cafes was thought necessary in order to prevent overcrowding. I have, however, had the general question recently under consideration and instructions will shortly be issued to prevent any restaurant, cafe or bar being reserved for the use of officers only. Except during the period when cigarettes were short everywhere, I understand that there have been ample supplies in the Y.M.C.A.