ROSYTH DOCKYARD. (Hansard, 3 February 1913)

§ 66. Mr. ADAMSON
asked whether an application is contemplated by Messrs. Easton, Gibb and Company, contractors at Roysth, to the Dunfermline Burgh licensing bench for a full licence for a canteen for their workmen at Rosyth in connection with the huts which the firm propose to erect; and whether the Admiralty have sanctioned such facilities for the sale of intoxicating liquors being provided close to the works and upon the Admiralty's ground?

§ Dr. MACNAMARA
Yes, Sir. It is the firm's intention to seek authority to provide a canteen in connection with the housing accommodation contemplated. The proposal is to run the canteen solely in the interests of the men. I understand that Messrs. Easton, Gibb propose to devote the profit, if any, accruing to them out of the rental of the canteen exclusively to the purpose of improving the amenities of the community. The contractors will give an undertaking to relinquish the licence directly the operations at Rosyth are completed. After very careful consideration, we have come to the conclusion that, on these lines, the proposal should not be opposed by the Admiralty.

§ Mr. JOHN WARD
Is there any other case of works of this description performed by a public body where they have allowed a private contractor to make a similar application? Is it not the fact that in every other case the authority doing the work itself manages the canteen?

§ Dr. MACNAMARA
My hon. Friend has misunderstood me. The contractor under certain conditions proposes to supply a canteen, and the profits are to go towards improving the amenities of the community. He will make no profit for his own benefit.

§ Mr. J. WARD
Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that is what the contractor proposes to do? Is there any method by which the Admiralty can enforce that proposal?

§ Dr. MACNAMARA
The hon. Gentleman has entirely misunderstood the answer. Perhaps I may be permitted to read a sentence of it again:— I understand that Messrs. Easton, Gibb propose to devote the profit, if any, accruing to them out of the rental of the canteen exclusively to the purpose of Improving the amenities of the community.

§ Mr. ADAMSON
Will the right hon. Gentleman give an undertaking that such a licence will not become permanent?

§ Dr. MACNAMARA
Certainly, that is contained in the last part of the answer— The contractors will give an Undertaking to relinquish the licence directly the operations at Rosyth are completed.