HC Deb 06 October 1942 vol 383 cc1052-3
11. Mr. Hewlett

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, hitherto in a very large number of instances the prices charged by retailers have been frequently lower than those asked by the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes and that the delivery given by the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes has been often a cause of great complaint; and, in view of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes' monopoly of sports requisites, what steps are being taken to meet these complaints?

9. Sir Reginald Clarry

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps have been taken independently to control the prices charged by the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes for sports gear and games under the new system of monopoly of supply and to ensure prompt delivery of orders placed with them for which cash with order is required?

Sir J. Grigg

All prices charged by Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes are governed by the limitation imposed by the Prices of Goods and Services Act, 1941. In addition it has been laid down that Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes' prices shall not exceed those of local shops for goods of similar quality. Any commanding officer or messing officer who has reason to think that any price is excessive may ask the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes' district manager to go with him or his representative to the nearest town and there make sample purchases from any reputable shop (but not cut price stores or markets), and if Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes' prices compare unfavourably with those there charged the discrepancy will at once be remedied. I am not aware of the instances of discrepancy in prices mentioned in the second Question, but if my hon. Friend can give me particulars I will look into them. The distribution of supplies is controlled by the Sports Board set up in each Command for the purpose.

Sir A. Knox

Will my right hon. Friend reconsider the decision about giving this monopoly?

Sir J. Grigg

That is another question; it does not arise out of this one.

Sir H. Williams

May I ask whether managers of the N.A.A.F.I. are now selected on the basis of selling beer or footballs?