HC Deb 17 October 1944 vol 403 cc2225-6W
Sir L. Lyle

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will take steps to confine the activities of E.N.S.A. exclusively to entertainments for those serving in the Forces.

Sir J. Grigg

While the great bulk of E.N.S.A. entertainment is provided for the Services, a certain additional amount is given, by arrangement with the Ministries concerned, to various classes of civilian war workers, the cost being borne by the Exchequer. It is advantageous that such entertainment should be provided under a co-ordinated scheme rather than that separate organisations should be set up for the purpose. I understand that these arrangements for co-ordination are working satisfactorily and I see no reason why they should be disturbed.

Mr. C. Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the continued shortage of artistes playing under E.N.S.A. arrangements in India; and if he will give an assurance that he will not take men out of the Forces to make good this deficiency owing to the higher pay which would then accrue to the men so taken and the consequent dissatisfaction that would be caused thereby.

Sir J. Grigg

I understand that action has been taken to meet the need for more artistes in the E.N.S.A. entertainment in India, but they will not be taken out of the Forces.

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