§ MR. VERNEYI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether officers in the Army are charged 30s. per annum for the hire of barrack furniture that costs the Government £14 7s. 3d., the officers having to pay for any repairs necessary; whether at the end of nine and a half years, when the full value of the furniture has been paid by officers, it remains the property of the Government; and, if so, will the Government consider the desirability of readjusting the terms of hire of furniture so as not to make any money profit thereby.
§ MR. HALDANEIn the case of company officers the rent-charge of 30s. is correct, and the average cost of the furniture supplied is about £15. Damages due to fair wear and tear are made good by the State. The furniture remains the property of the State. As the rent-charge includes repairs and replacements, and operates by way of a sinking fund, it is held that no profit is made by the State. Further it would not appear excessive for an officer to pay 5s. a month for the furnishing of his mess and quarters.