HC Deb 07 February 1945 vol 407 cc2079-80W
Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for War upon what grounds members of the W.L.A. are prohibited by his Ministry from using N.A.A.F.I. and railway station canteens; and if he is aware of the sense of grievance felt by the W.L.A. against this restriction, especially when they are working in outlying districts where these canteens are the only social centres within reasonable distance of the farms.

Mr. A. Henderson

N.A.A.F.I. canteens are usually in military camps and buildings where members of the Women's Land Army could hot be admitted. N.A.A.F.I. are, moreover, very short of staff, accommodation and equipment and the facilities available must be reserved to meet the needs of the members of the Fighting Services for whom the canteens are intended. Members of the Women's Land Army may, however, use canteens operated by voluntary bodies at places where they work when they cannot get refreshmments anywhere else nearby. As regards railway station canteens, I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply given by my right hon. Friend to my hon. Friend the Member for Thirsk and Malton (Mr. Turton) on 12th December.