§ Captain C. Smithasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the concern recently expressed in Colchester about prospective lack of canteen facilities for members of the garrison there, as evidenced by a letter addressed by Colchester Rotary Clubs to Eastern Command; how many voluntary canteens are available in the town and the capacity of each of them; and whether he has any statement to make about proposals for increasing the canteen facilities available.
§ Mr. Lawson:There are now ten Voluntary Canteens operating in Colchester, two of which are for Women's Services only. The details are: 147W
Capacity. Congregational Church Canteen, East Stockwell Street 50 Cardinal Bourne Institute, Priory Street 40 Church Army Social Club, 21, Maidenburgh Street 25 Congregational Club, Lion Walk 190 Baptist Church Club, Lid Lane 75 King George V Club for Women, Museum Street 50(Approx. Allied Services Club, Trinity Street 50 Spiritualistic Church Club 77, Military Road 50 Y.W.C.A. Canteen, Woodlands, Lexdon Road 28 Girls Friendly Society, St. John Street (Women only) 50 (Approx. There is also a N.A.A.F.I. Club at St. Botolph's Hall with accommodation for 500 men and women. Another voluntary canteen is opening on 31st March, 1946. This is the Church of England Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Club, Flagstaff House, which will provide facilities for 600 men and women. In addition, a permanent N.A.A.F.I. Club for men and women is being built in the Garrison Area, which it is hoped will be opened in the autumn. It is considered that these facilities should meet all reasonable requirements, but the situation is kept under constant review.