§ 24. Major HAMILTONasked the Secretary of State for War when the complete accounts of the Canteen Board for the period ending 31st December, 1918, will 1596 be available; and what is the amount of the money in hand, and how is this sum to be disbursed?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONThe balance sheet and profit and loss account of the Navy and Army Canteen Board as at 31st December, 1918, was published in Army Council Instruction 91 of 1920. In regard to the remainder of the question, I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the answer given to the hon. and gallant Member for Aberdeen Central on 22nd February.
§ 25. Major MACKENZIE WOODasked the Secretary of State for War whether the terms of reference of the Committee which is to inquire into the question of the Expeditionary Force canteen profits will enable the Committee to investigate the accounts of the Expeditionary Force canteens and the Navy and Army Canteen Board and to hear evidence as to any agreements made for the ultimate disposal of the Expeditionary Force canteen profits; and whether the evidence given before the Committee will be published?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONThe terms of reference to the Committee are as follow:
To consider and advise as to the basis to be adopted for ascertaining the profits of the Navy and Army Canteen Board and Expeditionary Force Canteens available for apportionment among the various interests concerned, and to make recommendations as to apportionment, regard being had to the reduction of the organisation to a peace footing, and to its future requirements of working capital.It is the desire of my right hon. Friend that the Committee should have the fullest information and all relevant documents. It is for the Committee to decide as to the evidence to be called for. It is the intention to publish the Report.
§ Major M. WOODDoes the right hon. Gentleman think the Committee will be able to investigate the accounts mentioned in the question?
§ Sir A. WILLIAMSONI am only here to answer as to facts. I cannot read thoughts.