§ Sir A. HOLBROOKasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if any action has been taken with regard to the published Report of lower deck representatives attached to headquarters, Navy, Army and Air Force institutes, to the effect that prejudice exists in the Navy against the present system of canteen trading, and that, being a monopoly, it is difficult for that organisation to maintain a high standard of economy and efficiency among the employés; whether he will sanction an open inquiry into the management and trading activities of the Navy, Army and Air Force institutes, which is alleged to exist solely for the benefit of seamen, soldiers and airmen; and if the Lords of the Admiralty will take steps to have the canteens conducted in a manner which will satisfy the men of the services?
§ Mr. AMERYThe Report referred to in the first part of the question has been circulated in Fleet Orders, and no further action is contemplated. As regards the second and third parts of the question, it is not considered that any useful purpose would be served by an inquiry such as that suggested, as the Admiralty is satisfied that the canteens as at present conducted in the naval service satisfy, generally, the needs of the men.