§ 63. Colonel Sir ARTHUR HOLBROOKasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has received from the manœuvre area, near Andover, representations from the military authorities as to the inadequate payments made to innkeepers in the district for the billeting of troops; and whether it is intended to revise the existing rates, in order that persons providing billets may be secured against loss?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)I have received no representations from the military authorities regarding the payments for billeting. The present rates, which have only recently been sanctioned by Parliament, are considered fair and adequate, and I have furnished my hon. and gallant Friend with full particulars as to how the rates are arrived at. They will come forward for review, as usual, in connection with next year's Army and Air Force (Annual) Bill, when full consideration will be given to any representations that may be received on the question of their adequacy.
§ Sir A. HOLBROOKIs it not the fact that these prices were based on wholesale purchases, and that small innkeepers are unable to purchase wholesale?
Sir L. WORTHNGTON-EVANSThat is not the only thing upon which they are based. I have given my hon. and gallant Friend full particulars of the basis.
§ Sir A. HOLBROOKDoes it not involve them in a great loss?