§ 41. Sir A. HOLBROOKasked the Secretary of State for War whether he has received complaints as to the in- adequate payments made to innkeepers for the billeting of soldiers and horses; whether he is aware that the present rates of allowance for horses is based on Army contract prices for large supplies, and that innkeepers cannot purchase and retail at these prices, and consequently lose money in every case; and whether he will consider a revision of the present rates, so that innkeepers may at any rate be relieved of loss in carrying out their duty?
§ Mr. COOPERThe rates which will be in force up to May, 1929, have only recently been sanctioned by Parliament and I have no power to alter them. So far as forage is concerned, they show an increase over those approved for the previous year.
§ Sir A. HOLBROOKIs the hon. Member aware that the innkeepers cannot possibly provide forage at the price at which they are expected to supply it on the terms fixed, and that they lose money by it?
§ Mr. COOPERWe have had no complaints from innkeepers since the new rates have been in operation.
§ Sir A. HOLBROOKIs the hon. Member aware that I have received a complaint during the last week on this matter?
§ Mr. COOPERI was not aware of that fact.