HC Deb 19 March 1941 vol 370 cc149-51
29. Mr. Lipson

asked the Secretary of State for War whether the officer in charge of a military camp has the authority to enable him to inspect the kitchens and other quarters of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes in his camp, and to satisfy himself that these are kept clean and that there is no unnecessary waste?

The Financial Secretary to the War Office (Mr. Richard Law)

Yes, Sir.

30. Mr. Lipson

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will give par- ticulars of the constitution of the committee which is responsible for the administration of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes?

Mr. Law

The Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes is a corporation consisting of a council of 12 members, four appointed by each of the Service Departments, and the management is in the hands of a board which includes an officer appointed by each of the Service Departments. The management is subject to directions of the council as regards policy, scope of trading, limitation of financial and commercial operations and any other matters which the Service Departments may instruct the council to reserve. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the present constitution of the council and the board of management.

Mr. Lipson

Can my hon. Friend say whether there are any women on the council or on the body responsible for the institutes? If not, will he consider appointing some practical women?

Mr. Law

No, Sir. There are no women on it at the moment, and I cannot see any need for them.

Mr. Lipson

In view of the fact that there are so many women serving in the Forces, would it not be desirable to give consideration to the question, as this is a matter in which women's advice would be very useful?

Mr. Law

If any need for women advisers on this board should be proved, certainly it will be considered, but so far there is no proof that there is any such need.

Sir Herbert Williams

As this board is the largest dealer in alcohol in the country, could not the hon. Member consider appointing the Noble Lady the Member for the Sutton Division of Plymouth (Viscountess Astor)?

Following is the list:

NAVY, ARMY AND AIR FORCE INSTITUTES.

MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.

Appointed by the Admiralty.

Rear-Admiral F. H. W. Goolden (Vice-President).

C. R. B. Lane, Esq. Brigadier A. P. Dawson, O.B.E.,R.M.

Captain D. de Pass, R.N.

Appointed by the Army Council.

General Sir Reginald S. May, K.C.B., K.B.E., C.M.G., D.S.O.(President).

Major-General M. S. Brander, C.B.,O.B.E., M.I.Mech.E.

Major-General R. F. B. Naylor, C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C.

Colonel R. E. Barnwell.

Appointed by the Air Council.

Air Vice-Marshal E. W. Havers.

Sir Harold G. Howitt, D.S.O., M.C, F.C.A.

Croup Captain F. C. Halahan, C.M.G., C.B.E., D.S.O., M.V.O. Wing Commander E. G. Keeping.

Members of the Board of Management.

L. C. Royle, Esq. (Chairman).

R. G. Erskine, Esq. (Deputy Chairman).

Paymaster Captain E. W. Whitting-ton-Ince, R.N. (nominated by the Admiralty).

Colonel J. Benskin, D.S.O., O.B.E. (nominated by the Army Council).

Group Captain W. G. W. Prall (nominated by the Air Council).