43. Miss Rathboneasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that at Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes canteens mineral drinks are so often unobtainable that Service men and women wanting cooling drinks at dances, etc., are driven to drink beer and that many girls are thus acquiring a taste for it; and will he therefore take steps to secure a greater supply of temperance drinks at such canteens?
§ Sir J. GriggAll N.A.A.F.I. canteens are instructed to have available ample supplies of soft drinks, and I am not aware of the shortage referred to by my hon. Friend. The manufacture of aerated mineral waters has been cut down all over the country in order to save labour and transport, but the supply of non-alcoholic cordials to canteens has been increased.
Miss RathboneIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that my information comes from an entirely unbiased source according to which canteens are pushing the sale of beer because of the higher profit? Ought that not really to be overcome in the interests of avoiding imported materials, as well as in the interests of temperance?
§ Sir J. GriggProfits from N.A.A.F.I. canteens go back to the troops, so that that motive cannot be a very strong one. In the second place, the hon. Lady has sent me a letter containing complaints, but as the place of the complaints is unidentifiable, I can only say that unless she sends me more information I cannot investigate the matter.
§ Sir Alfred BeitIs it not a fact that from to-day the merits of water may gain greater recognition?
§ Mr. Evelyn WalkdenWill the right hon. Gentleman correct the wrong impression 1047 that there is more profit on beer when sold by N.A.A.F.I. than on mineral waters, because the reverse is the case? Minerals are excessive both in price and in profit.
§ Sir J. GriggCertainly, I will be glad to investigate a matter on which I am given specific details.