HC Deb 27 May 1919 vol 116 cc998-9
6. Lieut-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Secretary of State for War what profits were made from the field force canteens in the South African War; how this money was disposed of; and what will be done with the profits of the British Expeditionary Force canteens in this War?

Mr. FORSTER

The total gross profits made by the Field Force Canteens in the South African War cannot be accurately determined owing to the lapse of time and the grants made prior to the final winding-up, but it is on record that up to September, 1903, a sum of about £150,000 was returned to the troops or distributed as Grants-in-Aid of various military objects. On the Field Force Canteen being finally wound up the assets were estimated at £103,000, of which £70,000 was set aside with the approval of the then Secretary of State to be used as the working capital of the South African Garrison Institute, which took over the work of the Field Canteen after the war, any balance on realisation being spent locally for the benefit of the garrison. The profits of the British Expeditionary Force canteens in this War will be spent for the benefit of the members and ex-members of His Majesty's Forces, their families and dependants, under the directions of the Army Council.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Is there not something now remaining from the South African Canteen Fund?

Mr. FORSTER

Yes. I cannot say how much, but there is a considerable sum still standing to the credit of the South African Garrison Institute Fund, and that, I think, if I remember aright, was largely used in starting the Expeditionary Force Canteen.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Have steps been taken to consult commanding officers as to the feeling of their troops as to the disposal of the money from this War?

Mr. FORSTER

Yes.