13. Sir HERBERT MELDasked the First. Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that during the recent Navy week at Plymouth, although local traders were denied facilities for doing any business in Devonport Dockyard or on the ships, the canteen board of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institute sold to visitors souvenirs and mementoes in the form of cigarette cases and other metal articles made in Germany and bearing in enamel the crest and name of His Majesty's ship "Renown" and other ships; and why this was permitted?
Mr. ALEXANDERI am advised that sales to visitors during Navy week at Plymouth were not made by the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes, and that all articles supplied by them to the organisers of the Navy week for the purpose of re-sale were exclusively of British manufacture.
§ Mr. DAYCan my right hon. Friend say whether there is any truth in the 2200 statement or any foundation for the statement in the question?
Mr. ALEXANDERAs far as the Navy, Army and Air Force Institute is concerned, there is no truth at all in it. Of course I cannot answer for anything beyond Government supplies or those of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes, but I should be very hesitant as to intervening in regard to any other transactions than these.
§ Sir H. NIELDIs it true to say that local traders were denied facilities for doing business in the dockyard during that week?