§ 68. Colonel the EARL of KERRYasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that in fixing prices to be charged to the troops it is the practice of Messrs. R. Dickeson and Company, canteen contractors to His Majesty's Government, to add to the price which is paid by them for goods purchased locally 429 a minimum of 17½per cent. before selling the same to the troops; whether this practice has the sanction and approval of the Board of Control of Regimental Institutes; and, if so, whether the addition of 17½ per cent. is held to be justifiable in cases where the purchase has been carried out and all arrangements made on behalf of the contractors by the commanding officer of the unit concerned?
§ Mr. TENNANTThe prices referred to are presumably for perishable articles such as fresh vegetables. The Board of Control has never sanctioned the addition of 17½ per cent. to the price paid by the institute contractor. The rule is that the price of these articles must not exceed the fair local rates. I do not think that an addition of 17½per cent. in cases such as that referred to in the last part of the question would be justifiable.
§ Colonel the EARL of KERRYWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that the decision is put into force?
§ Mr. TENNANTYes, if the Noble Lord will give me an instance.
§ Mr. BROOKESDoes the 17½ per cent. include the 10 per cent. paid to the Board of Control?
§ Mr. TENNANTI do not really know. I think the hon. Member ought to give me notice of such a complicated question as that.
§ 69. Colonel the EARL of KERRYasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that there have, for some time past, been complaints as to the charges made for vegetables by Messrs. R. Dickeson and Company, canteen contractors to His Majesty's Government at Warley Barracks, Brentwood; that 140s. per ton is now being charged by Messrs. Dickeson for swedes which can be purchased locally at 30s. a ton; that although this matter has been brought to the notice of the Board of Control no action whatever has been taken; and, seeing that the Board of Control was instituted and paid for out of canteen profits for the express purpose of protecting the military consumer from such overcharges and limiting the war profits of contractors, will he say what action he will now take?
§ Mr. TENNANTMessrs. Dickeson have never charged 140s. per ton for swedes. So far as the Board's information goes, the present cost to Messrs. Dickeson is 55s. per ton and the price charged is 430 3s. 4d. per cwt. The figure of 30s. per ton mentioned in the question does not make it clear whether the cost of carriage, etc., is included. The matter was first brought to the notice of the Board on the 4th January, and Messrs. Dickeson were at once communicated with and the Board understood that Messrs. Dickeson's inspector at Warley had settled the matter with the commanding officer. So far as fresh vegetables are concerned, it is the duty of the commanding officer to settle the prices with the contractor.
§ Colonel the EARL of KERRYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that I have all the evidence as to prices on both sides in my possession if he will be good enough to look at it?
§ Mr. TENNANTIf the Noble Lord asks me whether I am aware what he has in his possession, that is obviously impossible for me to be wholly conscious of. I would ask him, therefore, if he would bring anything arising out of this question and answer to my notice, I will have it investigated.
§ Colonel the EARL of KERRYIs it a fact that the leading partner in Dickeson and Company is himself a member of the Board of Control?
§ Mr. TENNANTNo. I am unaware who are and who are not members. The Noble Lord must give me notice.
§ Colonel the EARL of KERRYWill the right hon. Gentleman inquire into the matter whether the leading partner of Messrs. Dickeson and Company is a member of the Board of Control which adjudges disputes between Messrs. Dickeson and the soldiers?
§ Mr. TENNANTCertainly.