HC Deb 11 March 1897 vol 47 cc483-4
CAPTAIN PIRIE (Aberdeen, N.)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to the statement in the Report of the Board of Visitors upon the Royal Military College, that the canteen of that institution was built out of canteen profits, and at no cost to the taxpayer; and whether the Government will inquire into the matter with a view of taking more stringent steps to prevent the continuance of such a system in other military quarters?

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. POWELL-WILLIAMS,) Birmingham, S.

The canteen at the Royal Military College was built many years ago, before the adoption there of the present regimental system of canteens. It was constructed by the riding master out of profits arising from the sale of beer; and it was erected without any cost to the taxpayer. The building is unsuited for its purpose; and a sum of £1,200 is taken in the Army Estimates for its replacement, No parallel case is known; and no buildings are now allowed to be erected for canteen purposes otherwise than by the War Department.

SIR JAMES FERGUSSON (Manchester, N.E.)

asked whether in the new canteen of the Royal Military College there was to be no recreation room?

MR. POWELL-WILLIAMS

No; I understand that the new canteen when erected will contain a recreation room.