§ 8. Mr. ATTLEEasked the CinderSecretary of State for India whether he is aware the dissatisfaction existing among the rank and file of the British troops in India at the service provided by the Army Canteen Board (India); whether he will state the constitution of this Board; whether any representation 1418 is given to the rank and file and under what conditions it operates; and whether he can give the profit on the last year's working, and how much of the profit went to the benefit of the troops?
§ Earl WINTERTONMy information is that the operations of the Army Canteen Board (India) now give general satisfaction. The Board consists of the Quartermaster-General in India as chairman, various officials and three commercial representatives. There is no specific representation of the rank and file. In the year ending 31st July, the Board made a profit of Es. 29,317, after allowing rebates to units at the rate of 712 per cent. of purchases
§ Mr. ATTLEEWill the Noble Lord make further inquiries as to the satisfaction of the British troops with the present system, and will he inquire as to the possibility of representations being given to the rank and file, as is done with the Navy, Army and Air Forces Canteen of this country?
Earl WI NTERTONWith regard to the latter part of the supplementary question, I will suggest to my Noble Friend that inquiry should be made on those lines. With regard to the first part of the supplementary question, I think it would be rather difficult to find out the opinion of all the rank and file on this point. It is open to them to make representations through the ordinary channel
§ Mr. ATTLEEWill the right hon. Gentleman have inquiries made of the commanding officers of units?
§ Earl WINTERTONI will consider that