§ 35. Mr. Turtonasked the Secretary of State for War in how many Territorial camps this year the canteens are being or have been run by the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes; how many units run their own canteens and how many units let the running of their canteens to contractors?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI regret that the information asked for is not readily available, and could not be obtained without a disproportionate expenditure of time and labour.
§ Mr. TurtonIs it not very important that this fact should be known so that we could feed the troops as cheaply and as well as possible?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaIn view of the great labour involved in obtaining this information I hope the hon. Member will not press me to get it as a great deal of labour is now cast upon the authorities, and I have not the information readily available.
§ Mr. C. WoodIn view of the fact that we are having many complaints of a general shortage of food in certain Territorial camps, particularly in the East Riding, will the right hon. Gentleman consider sending a representative of the Army Catering Advisory Department to look into this matter during the current period of training?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaYes, Sir, with a great deal of pleasure. If the hon. Member will specify the units he has in mind I will see that an inspector goes at once. That practice has invariably been followed.