§ 12. Major GLYNasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what is the value of the average monthly and annual purchases by the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes of goods bought in Ireland, especially Dublin, for the use of British troops in Ireland; and whether there is any reason why Irish goods should be supplied, such as matches, when the troops are used to articles manufactured in the United Kingdom?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Lieut.-Colonel Stanley)The War Office does not control the purchasing operations of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes, and I am not in a position to give the statistical information asked for. I am informed, however, that most of the purchasing in question is done in this country, and that local purchase is only resorted to in order to make up occasional deficiencies.
§ Major GLYNWhat recourse have these officers and men to be supplied with articles which are worth the money they have to pay for them?
§ Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYThey need not buy them.
§ Major GLYNAs they have to buy them, may I ask what is the proper step to be taken by officers and men to make representations with regard to the articles they have to purchase at these canteens?
§ Lieut-Colonel STANLEYThere is a council on which officers and men are represented, and they can make representations through it.
§ Lieut.-Colonel NALLIf the War Office is not responsible for the conduct of this Board, what Department is responsible to this House?
§ Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYThe institutes are a statutory body.
§ Lieut.-Colonel NALLAre we to understand that there is no Minister in this House who is responsible for the conduct of the board?
§ Lieut.-Colonel STANLEYNo, Sir. No public funds are involved.