§ GENERAL LAURIE (Pembroke and Haverfordwest)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he can state if it has been decided to establish the canteens in the Army at home and abroad on the tenant system, or on what is known as the regimental system, and, if the latter, whether he has considered the advisability of imposing the additional duties of stock purchasing and book keeping on officers whose principal duty is to train their men as soldiers; or whether, in view of the responsibilities connected with such a system of regimental training, he would recommend the appointment of an additional officer, selected on account of his qualifications for this special purpose, and who should have no part in the military training of the soldier.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Lord STANLEY, Lancashire,) WesthoughtonGeneral Officers commanding Army Corps at home and districts at home and abroad have recently been informed that in future they will decide the particular system of management to be adopted in the regimental institute and canteen of each unit in their command, subject to certain general principles to be laid down by the Commander-in-Chief. No serving soldier will be allowed to be employed. No alteration in establishment such as that suggested is contemplated.
§ GENERAL LAURIEWill the commanding officers of the several units have any voice in this matter?
§ LORD STANLEYI do not think there is the slightest doubt that the General Officer Commanding will consult the commanding officers of units