HC Deb 26 November 1945 vol 416 c883
24. Mr. Boardman

asked the Minister of War Transport what is done with the profits resulting from sales in the canteens of troopships.

Mr. Barnes

Canteen prices are fixed so as to produce the minimum of profit, but, owing to the turnover and the small-ness of the units of the commodities dealt in a certain amount of profit does in fact result. These profits, which accrue either to the shipowner or to the Ministry, according to the terms of the charter, are applied for the benefit of Service and Merchant Navy charities and for the improvement of the amenities and general welfare of the Forces who have been carried in the ships, including those of the United States, British Dominions and India. I should like to take this opportunity of saying how helpful and generous the shipping lines have been in this matter.

Sir Ronald Ross

Has the commanding officer of the ship any word in how the welfare profits are disposed of in connection with his ship?

Mr. Barnes

I cannot say offhand, but I should say "No." If the hon. Gentleman would like to have that information, I will obtain it for him.

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