HC Deb 22 June 1903 vol 124 c59
MR. BULL (Hammersmith)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, whether it is proposed in the forthcoming Army Regulations to recommend canteens to deal with the Co-operative Union Stores.

MR. BRODRICK

No, Sir. No recommendation is given. The Committee made representations strongly in the direction of Co-operative Union for Army Canteens. I could not accept their proposal, but have left it to the general officers commanding in concert with the commanders of different units under them to decide what system—tenant or regimental—is best for the soldier, and permit them to buy in the open market or register themselves as a Co-operative Society, as they think best.

MR. BULL

Then is there no truth in the statement which has been published?

MR. BRODRICK

None whatever.

MR. KILBRIDE (Kildare, S.)

Will the right hon. Gentleman take care that the local traders in the neighbourhood of the Curragh are not boycotted?

MR. BRODRICK

The War Office has no control over the matter.