HC Deb 21 May 1940 vol 361 cc7-8
6 and 7. Mr. Kennedy

asked the Secretary of State for War (1) whether he can give any information regarding the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes; what measure of control is exercised by the Government over the organisation; and whether the control extends to the regulation of the prices of goods sold to the Forces;

(2) whether he can state the amount of the financial turnover of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes in the period between 1st January of this year and the present date; and the administrative expenses of the body in the same period?

Mr. Eden

Information regarding the composition and activities of the Navy. Army and Air Force Institutes may be obtained by reference to the memorandum and articles of association of this corporation, a copy of which, together with copies of annual reports and balance sheets, has been placed in the Library of this House for the convenience of hon. Members. For the information of my right hon. Friend, I am sending him a copy of the last annual report and balance sheet. Control regarding policy is exercised through a Council comprising four representatives of each of the Fighting Services, the actual conduct of the business being left to the discretion of the board of management. I regret that the information asked for as to turnover and expenses is not available.

Mr. Shinwell

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that by order of the military authorities many private owners of canteens in East Anglia have been dispossessed to make way for the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes, and are thus being deprived of their livelihood? Will he make an immediate investigation into the matter?

Mr. Eden

I am not aware of that fact, but the hon. Gentleman appreciates that that is an entirely different question.

Mr. Shinwell

Will the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries in his Department? He will find that the matter was put before them recently.

Colonel Nathan

What is the position of the Treasury in this matter? Does it have anything to do with the working of the institutes?

Mr. Eden

I should be grateful if my hon. and gallant Friend would put that question down.

Mr. Kennedy

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any information about the administrative expenses?

Mr. Eden

I cannot without notice.