§ 28. Mr. PETOasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention has been called to complaints that in some cases Army contractors for canteens and messes do not pay small local tradesmen, market gardeners, and fish merchants, from whom they obtain their supplies, for months after they have received payment from the War Office, and are, consequently, carrying on their business with the capital of these small tradesmen; and whether he can issue an Order that Army contractors are required to pay for the supplies they obtain within seven days of themselves receiving payment, and that audited accounts showing that such payments have been made are required to be produced by the Army contractors before placing further contracts with them?
§ Mr. FORSTERMy attention has not been called to any such complaints. The Army Canteen Committee, acting under the directions of the Army Council and in the interests of the troops, have subjected canteen contractors to close control in respect to the; price and quality of goods supplied, but I will consider whether it is desirable to issue the Order suggested.