§ MR. SEXTONasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether it is the fact that the Military canteens in Irish garrisons procure their supplies of groceries, provisions, &c. from co-operative stores, and whether Army officers are 441 largely interested in these co-operative stores as shareholders; whether it is the fact that Limerick bacon, supplied to soldiers recently in garrison at Limerick, had, in obedience to rules, to be sent across to London to be stamped with the brand of the co-operative store, and then sent back to Limerick; and, whether he will reform the rules for the management of canteens, so as to prevent a preference being given to establishments in which officers are interested over those of the ordinary tax-paying traders of the Country?
§ MR. CHILDERSSir, in reply to the hon. Gentleman, I have to state that the War Office does not interfere with the detailed management of canteens and coffee shops, each of which is under the control of a committee of regimental officers, as I explained in moving the Estimates. I have no knowledge of the sources of purchase at any particular station. Goods are obtained in the most economical way, and any profit goes to the benefit of the soldiers of the regiment. The system works extremely well, and I see no reason to interfere with the responsibility of the managers.