§ 27. Sir ROBERT YOUNGasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is now able to say what were the receipts and expenses incurred in connection with the last military tattoo at Aldershot; how was the balance of income, if any, allocated; and what were the charitable and other institutions benefited?
Mr. COOPERThe total receipts at the last Aldershot Tattoo were £91,000, and the expenses, including £15,000 for improvements and maintenance of the Rushmoor Arena, and a grant of £10,000 to the Eastern Command Trust for the services rendered by the troops of that 2267 command, were approximately £63,000. The balance, apart from an addition of £9,000 to the reserve fund and the allocation of £1,000 for headquarter charities, was distributed by the trustees, partly to Service charities, and partly for increased recreational facilities, in the area from which the troops taking part in the Tattoo were drawn.
§ Sir R. YOUNGMay we take it that all this money is used for Service purposes?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHDoes the right hon. Gentleman consider that the time taken up by the troops in preparing for this entertainment is justified by the money secured?
§ Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWNIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this year for the first time for many years certain regimental charities will have no grant, that they have been informed that they will receive no grant, and no reason has been given, and is it fair, in view of the amount of money available, that this year they should be knocked off the grant?