§ 34. Mr. DUNCAN GRAHAMasked the Secretary of State for War whether a Committee of Inquiry has been investigating the general management of the Navy and Army Canteen Board, with 1677 special reference to the disposal of surplus stocks; whether surplus stocks have been sold at less than market value; and whether it is the intention of his Department to publish the Report of this Inquiry?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONFor the information of the Army Council an inquiry was ordered into matters connected with allegations contained in questions asked in the House regarding the disposal of surplus stocks by the Navy and Army Canteen Board. The investigation has now been completed, and a Report will be made to the Army Council at an early date.
Sir J. D. REESWill the right hon. Gentleman see that the stocks are not disposed of as to interfere with the accumulated stocks which are being sold by private firms?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONNo, Sir; I think the business of the Board is to sell stocks to the best possible advantage.
Sir J. D. REESIs my right hon. Friend aware that if these stocks are too suddenly placed on the market there is no particular advantage to the taxpaying public, it may be considerably to the detriment of the holder of private stocks?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONWell, Sir, I do not think there is any reason to fear that those stocks are being sold in an unusual way. The endeavour is to sell them at the best possible price. I am quite aware of the fact that too much on the market at once depresses the market, but I think it may be left to those concerned to use their discretion.
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI think not. I think it is a private Report to the Army Council, asked for by them, and I do not suppose anyone else knows what is in it.
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI will lay the suggestion of the hon. and gallant Gentleman before the Army Council.