§ 5 and 6. Brigadier-General BROOKEasked the Under-Secretary of State for India (1) if he is aware that the contractors who have taken the place of the Army Canteen Board have to pay to a central fund at headquarters four annas a year per head of the soldier supplied; and what use is to be made of it by those controlling the central fund;
4 (2) whether he is aware that the Indian Army authorities have compelled the contractors, who have now taken over the canteen work, to buy the old furniture in the institutes; and whether, as this furniture had really been kept up by the soldiers who, until recently, paid four rupees a year per head for its maintenance, he will say what will be the position of the soldiers now that it has been completely sold to private contractors?
§ Earl WINTERTONWith my hon. and gallant Friend's permission I will answer these questions together. I have not yet seen details of the new system, but will make enquiries on the two points brought to notice.