§ 21. Mr. KELLYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty how many representatives the Admiralty appoint to the Navy, Army, and Air Force Canteen Board; what responsibility the Admiralty have for the financing and conducting of these canteens; and what are the wages and conditions of working of the men and women employed in these canteens?
§ Mr. AMMONThe answers to the first and second parts of the question are as follow:
Four of the 12 members of the Council of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes are appointed by the Admiralty; one member of the board of management is nominated by the Admiralty; and a naval officer is employed in the naval 1875 section. The Admiralty have no responsibility for the financing of the canteens, nor for their business management, which are matters for the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes. As regards the last part of the question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on the 3rd February by the Financial Secretary to the War Office (OFFICIAL REPORT, columns 1503–4).
§ Mr. KELLYIn view of the conditions operating in these canteens, will the Admiralty make some inquiries to see that conditions are at any rate humane?
§ Mr. AMMONThe hon. Member may have noticed that I said in my answer that the board of management are responsible. If there is any complaint, the matter can be raised there first; and then, if there is anything, it can be brought before the Council, who in turn will bring it before the Admiralty.