HC Deb 08 July 1915 vol 73 cc531-3
43. Mr. RONALD McNEILL

asked the Under-Secretary for War who are the members composing the Board of Control of Canteens for the Army; whether they receive any and, if so, what salary; whether he is aware that the Board is deducting 5 per cent. per month from the takings of the regimental institutes; and whether, in view of the fact that this impost will cripple the institutes and make it impossible for them to continue the benefits hitherto accruing to the men, he will take steps to protect the regimental institutes by requiring the Board of Control to desist from making a deduction from their takings?

Mr. FORSTER

The list of members which was published in the Press on 15th February last is rather too long to read out, and I will circulate a copy with the Votes. None of the members receive any remuneration. The proportion retained by the board is not 5 per cent, of the takings, but is one-fifth of the rebate received from the contractor, and all moneys so received will be used for the benefit of the troops.—[See Written Answers of this date.]

Colonel SHARMAN-CRAWFORD

May I ask whether, owing to the great dissatisfaction of officers commanding regiments with the present system of control of canteens by the new board, the right hon. Gentleman will receive a deputation of commanding officers to express their views on the subject at the earliest opportunity?

Mr. FORSTER

I shall be very glad to look into any complaints which reach me in any matter under my administration.

Sir CHARLES NICHOLSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that since the Board of Control was appointed the soldier has had the advantage of the fact that all the regimental institutes are under inspection, thereby assuring the quality of the goods supplied; and is it not the fact that owing to the Board fixing the prices the soldier is thus enabled to obtain his goods at a cheaper rate than would have been otherwise possible?

Mr. FORSTER

I think that my hon. Friend is quite correct.

Colonel SHARMAN-CRAWFORD

Is not the deduction taken from the profits of the soldiers? Is it not a question of a new system of taking away money which was previously given?

Mr. FORSTER

I do not think there is any new system. I am quite satisfied from what I have seen of them that the arrangements now made are working well, and working for the benefit of the soldiers' committee.

Mr. EDGAR JONES

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that a similar arrangement in the case of the soldiers in South Africa has resulted in there being still at large a considerable sum of money of which nobody can get hold?

Mr. FORSTER

I beg my hon. Friend's pardon. It is quite true that there is still a considerable balance to the credit of the fund and that that fund is now being applied to the credit of the soldiers.

Mr. JONES

That does not apply to the whole of it.