HC Deb 21 November 1916 vol 87 cc1203-5
51. Major HUNT

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the profits made by the Expeditionary Force canteens, he can say in what way the men are going to benefit by these profits for which they have supplied the money?

Mr. FORSTER

The profits made by the Expeditionary Force canteens will be devoted to the benefit of the Army. The allocation will be made in due course by the Army Council.

Mr. ASHLEY

Will my hon. Friend see that those who find the money should have some say in allocating the money?

Mr. FORSTER

Those who find the money are reaping some present benefit from it. The ultimate distribution of the profits which have accrued is a matter which ought to be dealt with by the Army Council.

Major HUNT

Is it a fact that the profits from a particular canteen do not go to the men who spend the money in the canteen, and if that is so would it not be far better not to have the profits so very high as they are?

Mr. FORSTER

I think my hon. and gallant Friend is probably aware that the question relates principally to canteens in France. We are not wholly free agents in the matter of fixing the prices in canteens in France. There are various political considerations which affect the question. I should be very happy to explain them to anyone who cares to speak to me privately about them.

Mr. FABER

Where do the profits go?

Mr. FORSTER

Ultimately to the Army Council. The Army Council will consider how they can best be applied for the benefit of the Army.

54. Sir WALTER ESSEX

asked how many Army canteens it is proposed to take over by the Committee; whether valuers, and, if so, how many, have been appointed to make a report upon both buildings and contents; and by what date is their collective valuation ordered to be made returnable?

Mr. FORSTER

There are about 1,800 canteens which will be taken over gradually by the Army Canteen Committee. Arrangements have been made to value the stocks; but not so far the buildings. The date of the completion of the collective valuation must depend on the dates on which the various canteen areas are taken over.