§ 13. Mr. Leslieasked the Secretary of State for India what further steps he has taken to provide in N.A.A.F.I. canteens in India meals for British soldiers who now have to pay high prices to private contractors much in excess of the cost of meals in Britain.
§ Mr. AmeryIn India the place of N.A.A.F.I. is taken by Canteen Services (India). This organisation is not run by individual contractors on a profit-making basis, but is administered by a Board of Control through a Canteen Directorate and is financed by the Government of India. Prices are fixed by the Quartermaster-General in India in the case of every item except fresh perishables and raw materials required for the tea and supper trade, prices of which are fixed by the local commanders in conformity with those ruling in the vicinity. In view of the widespread misapprehension which prevails on the subject I wish to emphasise that contractors have no say whatever in policy, fixation of prices, or procurement of stores, and are merely the retail distributors of the Canteen Services (India) in non-operational areas.
§ Mr. LeslieIs the Minister aware that it costs the soldier 5s. 3d. a day as against a maximum of 2s. 6d. in this country, and why should there be that difference?
§ Mr. AmeryI do not think that that is the case. Some articles may be dearer, but others are substantially cheaper.
Mr. AstorIs it not a fact that the prices in these canteens are higher than those in American canteens, and why should the British soldier with a lower rate of pay be made to pay more than the American soldier who has a higher rate?
§ Mr. W. EdwardsIn order that we can find out whether our troops are paying more in India than in this country, would my right hon. Friend be prepared to publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT the prices charged in India?