§ Mr. INGLEBYasked to what use it is proposed to put the monthly sum of 20 per cent. of the profits of regimental institutes which commanding officers have now been ordered to send to the central canteen fund?
Mr. BAKERThis money will all be spent for the benefit of the troops. The mode of expenditure is receiving the very careful consideration of the Board.
§ Mr. INGLEBYasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he can make public the names of the members of the Board of Control for Garrison and Regimental Institutes; whether the members of the board are paid, and what are the qualifications of the civilian members; and whether he is aware that the board's order with regard to rebate offers much less advantageous terms to regiments than commanding officers have been able to obtain for their men in the contracts at present in force?
Mr. BAKERThe names of the members of the board were published in the daily Press on the 15th February last. The members of the board are not paid. The civilian members were chosen with a view to securing the services of gentlemen whose commercial and business experience, professional qualifications or special knowledge would be of use to the board. Five of these gentlemen were members of Lord Rotherham's Committee of Inquiry into the canteen system, which reported to Parliament in October last (Cd. 7677). As regards the concluding portion of the hon. Member's question, representations to this effect have been made to the board and the matter is receiving consideration.