§ 1. Mr. ATTLEEasked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether any Report has been received from the Committee appointed to inquire into the Army Canteen Board (India); if so, what are the general conclusions of the Committee; and whether he will make the Report available for Members of Parliament?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for INDIA (Lord Winterton)Some preliminary conclusions relating to the present financial position of the board have been received, but a final Report dealing with the general question of the future of the board is still awaited. My Noble Friend will consider the question of publication when the Report is available.
§ Mr. ATTLEEDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think it would be better if the same body which has charge of canteens all over the world should have charge of canteens in India?
§ Lord WINTERTONSurely that is a question which will arise when the report has been received.
§ 2. Mr. ATTLEEasked the Under-Secretary of State for India what qualifications the present director and manager of the Army Canteen Board (India) possessed for his appointment; and whether other persons were considered for the appointment in competition with him?
§ Lord WINTERTONThis appointment is not an official one. The qualifications are fixed and the selection is made by the Board itself. The present holder is described as being of Bombay and as having wide commercial experience, but otherwise I have no information.
§ Mr. ATTLEEIs the present holder now under notice?
§ Lord WINTERTONNo. The present holder is now officiating in his position. He has just been found guilty of a serious offence and has appealed against the conviction. Until the appeal is heard he remains in his position. If he is found guilty by the final Court, he will not he allowed to retain his position.
§ Colonel WEDGWOODIs he actually in prison at the moment?
§ Lord WINTERTONIf a man appeals against a conviction, it would be very unfair to deprive him of his position until his appeal has been heard. That is only elementary justice.