HC Deb 28 February 1940 vol 357 c2080W
Mr. Tomlinson

asked the Secretary of State for Air whether, in view of the rule that normally the Navy, Army and Air Forces Institutes are the only corporation permitted to offer articles for sale to airmen in camp, and that the only exception is that the corporation may nominate one outside contractor for the sale of ices, he will give instructions that, where an outside contractor is nominated, priority shall be given, wherever practicable, to a local tradesman?

Captain Balfour

Local tradesmen may always apply to tender for the sale of ices at Royal Air Force stations. I could not, however, undertake to interfere with the discretion of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes to accept the most satisfactory tender from whatever source.