HC Deb 24 February 1919 vol 112 cc1420-1W
Viscount WOLMER

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, owing to the Navy and Army Canteen Boards having taken over a large portion of the trade of Aldershot merchants and tradesmen, they are now unable to reinstate many of their employés who volunteered for active service at the commencement of the War; and whether, in the event of such facts being proved in regard to any particular case, he will undertake to give employment under the Navy and Army Canteen Board to demobilised soldiers who have lost their civil employment in this way?

Captain GUEST

I am not aware that the Navy and Army Canteen Board have taken over a large portion of the trade of Aldershot merchants and tradesmen; the trades taken over by the Board was entirely in connection with the supplies and canteen services of His Majesty's Forces. This trade, prior to the War, was carried on by particular firms of contractors who no longer exist and whose respective staffs were taken over by the Navy and Army Canteen Board.