HC Deb 19 July 1938 vol 338 cc1976-7
28. Mr. Parker

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institute is responsible to his Department; what has been its income, expenditure, and profits in the last five years; the total number of men and women employés, respectively; the percentage of the men and women five years ago and now; how many of the men and women, respectively, live in; whether they are allowed to join a trade union; what are their wages and hours of work; and how their conditions of employment are negotiated?

25. Dr. Edith Summerskill

asked the Secretary of State for War the weekly wage of a woman working in the regimental canteens at Aldershot and Salisbury Plain?

Sir V. Warrender

The Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes are a corporation, registered as a company under the Companies Act, consisting of a council and a board of management, both of which include nominees of each of the Service Departments. The accounts are published annually, and copies of the accounts for 1935 and 1936 have been lodged with the Librarian of this House. A copy of the accounts for 1937 will be lodged with him when received. I will also send him copies of the accounts for 1933 and 1934. The directions of the council to the management must have the general approval of the Service Departments, but the latter are not responsible for the detailed numbers, wages and terms of service of the employés of the corporation.

Mr. Montague

Can the hon. Member say whether the profits are limited?

Sir V. Warrender

Not without notice.

Mr. Parker

Who is actually responsible in this House for this organisation?

Sir V. Warrender

There is no money for it in Army Votes, but if the hon. Member requires any information and will tell me what it is, I will do my best to get it for him.

Mr. Parker

Is there any objection to trade-union organisation among the persons employed?