§ Sir A. HOLBROOKasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the competition to which traders are subjected who are tenants of the War Office at Tidworth, and who were induced 1299W to establish businesses for the convenience of the troops in garrison, by the competition of the Navy, Army and Air Force institutes, whose premises (originally established as canteens) are now general stores for the supply of all classes of goods; and whether he will consider the return to pre-war conditions as regards trading in the barracks?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe Navy, Army and Air Force institutes conduct regimental and garrison institutes at the present day in a precisely similar manner to that which prevailed in the days of the canteen contractors: with this difference that, whereas canteen contractors were enabled to carry on civilian trade outside War Department precincts, the Navy, Army and Air Force institutes are limited to sales to members of the forces and to trading on War Department land only.
§ Sir T. BRAMSDONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty what the value of the assets of the Navy and Army Canteen Board was at the 31st December, 1920; the amount of those assets which falls to the lot of the Navy; whether this amount will be handed over to the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust, observing that the men of the Royal Navy expressed their wish by ballot not to participate in the United Services Fund; and, if it is intended to use any of this money in financing the Navy, Army and Air Force institutes, will the Admiralty consider the advisability of ascertaining the views of the men as to the post-war organisation?
§ Mr. AMERYI understand that the value of the assets of the Navy and Army Canteen Board as at 31st December, 1920, has not yet been finally ascertained; this being due to the difficulties explained in the Report of the Committee on Canteen "Profits (Command Paper 1280). The amount of the profits, therefore, which falls to the lot of the Navy cannot at present be stated. Until the amount has been ascertained and a decision has been arrived at on other recommendations of the Committee on Canteen Profits, which I understand are still under consideration at the War Office, I am not in a position to deal with the question of its disposal.