§ 4. Major Petherickasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the complete monopoly granted by Government action to the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes for the supply of sports goods to the Army, to the consequent loss of the regular retailers, he will make arrangements under which all net audited profits made by the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes by the sale of these goods may be handed over to a committee of the said retailers to be distributed, under an agreed scheme, among the firms prejudiced?
§ Sir J. GriggNo, Sir.
§ 6. Mr. Evelyn Walkdenasked the Secretary of State for War why certain units which have purchased supplies of fresh vegetables from local and neighbouring growers have added to their account 10 per cent. by Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes for administrative costs when no actual services by Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes have been rendered; and can he revise this method of accountancy and costing?
§ Sir J. GriggMy hon. Friend appears to be misinformed about the policy which is followed by N.A.A.F.I. in these matters. Where units buy vegetables from local growers for their ration the grower's bill is paid by N.A.A.F.I. When N.A.A.F.I. in turn bill the War Department they add nothing to the grower's bill. Units sometimes buy additional supplies of vegetables with the cash allowance which accompanies the ration. In these cases the unit pays the grower direct and N.A.A.F.I. do not enter into the transaction.
§ Mr. WalkdenWhile I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, will he consult with quartermasters and P.R.I.'s about the practice that obtains, and is he aware that there are varying practices in almost every area which do not seem to be dictated by any general policy?
§ Sir J. GriggThe general policy is as stated. If the hon. Member has any cases in which it is beyond peradventure that the practice is not followed, I should be glad if he would send them to me.
§ Mr. WalkdenI should be delighted to do so.