HC Deb 29 June 1921 vol 143 cc2152-4
39. Viscountess ASTOR

asked the Secretary of State for War whether trouble resulted from a decision to commandeer a Young Men's Christian Association hut for purely military purposes in one of the Dublin barracks; and whether this is one of the huts it is now proposed to close?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Lieut.-Colonel Stanley)

I am not aware of any such incident, but inquiries are being made, and I will let the Noble Lady know the result as soon as possible.

40. Viscountess ASTOR

asked whether the Young Men's Christian Association and other philanthropic bodies operating huts on War Department land are required to pay rebate to regimental funds; and, if so, on what ground is preferential treatment given to the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes?

Lieut.-Colonel STANLEY

Owing to the large trade being carried out by philanthropic bodies during the War, it was decided early in the War that philanthropic bodies should surrender such profits as had accrued during the War for the benefit of military charities to be approved by the Secretary of State for War. At the request of philanthropic bodies this award was subsequently reconsidered, and these organisations were given the option of paying a monthly rebate of 6 per cent. on turnover in lieu of the surrender of profits. This procedure has continued in force up to the present date, but the procedure to be adopted as regards the future is now under consideration. The Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes, which are constituted to manage the regimental institutes of the Army, pay a higher percentage of rebate than philanthropic bodies; consequently, no question of preferential treatment arises.

Viscountess ASTOR

Is it not true that the Young Men's Christian Association have promised to pay exactly what the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes are paying, and is it not really to the interests of the men that the Young Men's Christian Association should go on? It is their wish, and if you consider the interests of the men, and not only the interests of the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes, perhaps you will give them the same treatment.

Lieut.-Colonel STANLEY

As a matter of fact, I have explained that the Young Men's Christian Association get better treatment than the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes.

Viscountess ASTOR

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that rather than be turned out they would go on on any terms, but the policy of the War Office is to get them out?

Lieut.-Colonel STANLEY

No. It will be seen that there is no idea of turning them out, but only of not having so many huts of this sort, because they are clearly redundant.

41. Viscountess ASTOR

asked the Secretary of State for War if the order for closing the 48 huts, on War Department land, belonging to the Young Men's Christian Association and other philanthropic bodies, would still be enforced if they undertook to confine their activities to religious and social work, including light refreshments, as agreed by the Army Council, which he said was thoroughly appreciated, and with which he had no intention to interfere?

Lieut.-Colonel STANLEY

As I explained in answer to a question on 24th May last, the large number of philanthropic institutions which sprang up during the War on War Department land is now quite out of proportion to the requirements of the existing peace establishments of the Army, and it has therefore become necessary to close the 48 huts referred to, which are clearly surplus. I regret that in the circumstances I am unable to accept the Noble Lady's suggestion.

Viscountess ASTOR

I should like to ask if it is not true that the policy of the War Office is to close down the Young Men's Christian Association huts if they can? That is what I would like to know, if they are trying to do that. Is it right? I think the House does not realise that.

Lieut.-Colonel STANLEY

Nothing of the sort. The War Office does not want to close down all the Young Men's Christian Association huts, but only those that are surplus.

Lieut.-Colonel GUINNESS

Has not the hon. and gallant Gentleman stated in reply to an earlier question that there is no idea of giving preference, and could he not therefore make it clear that, if the Young Men's Christian Association are prepared to pay the same percentage of profits as these other institutes, they will be allowed to continue?

Lieut.-Colonel STANLEY

The question will, of course, be considered, but as a matter of fact we are closing down only those that are surplus, and not any of those that are not.

Earl WINTERTON

Is it not a fact that these huts are being closed down in a most arbitrary fashion, without any previous notice being given, and will the hon. and gallant Gentleman take an early opportunity in Debate of explaining what exactly is the policy of his Department in this matter?

Lieut.-Colonel STANLEY

I am not aware that there has been any arbitrary action at all.

Viscountess ASTOR

There has.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Do the surplus huts involve any charge on the taxpayer, and, if not, why should they be closed down?