HC Deb 12 November 1918 vol 110 cc2481-2
33 and 75. General CROFT

asked (1) the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he has any official information showing that the Young Men's Christian Association huts in France are being used as propaganda centres for certain political views; and whether he will make full inquiry into this matter, so that huts provided by national generosity may not be used in promoting, directly or indirectly, any political cause; (2) the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in the Young Men's Christian Association huts in France, trading is carried on at a profit; whether there is independent auditing of the funds of this society; and, if so, who is the independent auditor?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I have no official information which would enable me to answer No. 33, but I will make inquiries if my hon. and gallant Friend will furnish any information he possesses. The other question does not concern my Department, and I am not in a position to answer it.

General CROFT

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me what Department is responsible for looking into the question whether the Young Men's Christian Assosiation is trading in France; and is it not a fact that they are trading under a charter from the War Office?

Mr. MACPHERSON

I am afraid this is purely a financial question. I cannot answer straight off. I will make inquiries.