§ MR. BENN (Devonport)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that the canteens of the Royal naval barracks are now let on what is 1473 called the tenant system, and that supplies are no longer required from local tradesmen; whether he is aware that the Winchester authorities, having tried this tenant system, are appealing to the War Office to revert to the supply of the canteens by local tradesmen; and whether he will take steps to secure to local tradesmen an opportunity of participating in the contracts for the Navy canteens.
(Answered by Mr. Pretyman.) Canteens in naval barracks are conducted either under the service or the tenant system, at the discretion of the commanding officer. The details of management and of purchase of stores are matters in which the Admiralty does not interfere.