§ Sir F. FLANNERYasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the remarks made by the Chairman of the Colchester Bench on 30th March strongly deprecating the opening of military canteens and the sale therein of excisable liquors at hours much earlier than such liquors could be supplied in public houses or clubs, and expressing a hope that the matter would be inquired into by the authorities; and whether he intends to take steps with the object of inducing the Army Council to bring the hours of supply in canteens into unison with the hours of supply in public houses and clubs, as laid down in the district by the Central Control Board?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLMy attention had not previously been drawn to the remarks referred to. Owing to the exigencies of military training, etc., it is not always possible for the hours of supply of liquor in canteens to conform strictly with the hours of supply in public houses. So far as I am aware, however, soldiers are not given any greater facilities for obtaining intoxicating liquor than civilians, and I do not consider that any special action in the matter is called for.