§ 10. Mr. HOGGEasked the Secretary of State for War whether £450,000 of the 745 canteen profits have already been distributed; whether he can say how it has been distributed; in what amounts and by whose authority; and what balance still remains?
§ 64. Major GLYNasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will state what sum of money is at present credited to the Central Canteen Fund under the control of the Army Trustees; what sums have been paid out of this fund since 1916, and to what organisations; and whether the War Office is prepared to reconsider the present proposals for the uses to which this money may be put by establishing an advisory committee that will contain members elected by the various recognised ex-Service men's organisations and that in the meantime no further payments from this fund will be made?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)The total amount of the profits from Canteen Trading Account cannot be ascertained until the various organisations are wound up, but at present the Central Fund amounts to £717,431. Up to the 31st May last, over £850,000 had been distributed from canteen funds under the authority of the Army Council. The details of the latter are published from time to time in Army Orders or Instructions. The future management of the fund is under consideration.
§ Mr. PEMBERTON BILLINGWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of decreasing the profits and increasing the quality of the beer sold?
§ Mr. FORSTERA great many other commodities are sold besides beer; but the question is under consideration.
§ Mr. HOGGEDo I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that the sum of £850,000 discloses £700,000 in hand? I beg to give notice that I will raise this question on the Adjournment to-night.