27. Sir HENRY DALZIELasked the Secretary of State for War whether the Government have purchased the proprietary rights in Army canteens; if so, can he state what price has been agreed to be paid to Messrs. Dickinson and the Canteen and Mess Company, respectively, for their interests; and what salary, if any, is to be paid to Sir Alexander Prince and Mr. Benson, who have been added to the committee of administration?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThe Government have not purchased the proprietary rights in Army canteens, as no such rights exist. I am not in a position to give any information as to the salaries which will be paid to Sir Alexander Prince and Mr. Benson by the Army Canteen Committee, as these gentlemen's contracts have not yet been signed.
Sir H. DALZIELIs it the case that an official statement is being made that the canteens have been taken over by the Government; if that is so, can the House see the agreements as soon as they are ready?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThe agreements are not complete yet; if the House desires information about the matter, certainly the House is entitled to have it.