§ 15. Mr. HOGGEasked the Secretary of State for War if he can now make a statement regarding the control and distribution of canteen profits?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)I am not yet in a position to make an announcement as to the future organisation for dealing with canteen funds, but I hope to be able to do so at an early date.
§ Major WHELERAre they now making profits to any extent out of these funds?
§ Mr. FORSTERI have no reason to think the general canteen work is not making profits.
§ Major WHELERWill not the hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of trying to reduce the charges of the articles, so that a profit shall not be made and the men shall get absolute value for their money?
§ Mr. FORSTERThat particular question is being considered.
§ 16. Brigadier-General WIGANasked the Secretary of State for War if he can state approximately the amount of money now in the hands of the authorities arising from the profits from Army canteens, and if any decision has yet been come to as to the disposal of the same?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe only sum at present available is the Central Regimental Institutes Fund amounting to about £720,000. The profits of the Navy and Army Canteen Board are being used as working capital, and the surplus assets of the Expeditionary Force Canteens, which are being wound up, have not yet been definitely ascertained.