HC Deb 20 March 1923 vol 161 cc2380-1W
Mr. WILLEY

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether, in view of the fact that the Government has no control over the operations of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institute, he can state what facilities for trading, if any, are given to this concern; and what in that case are the reasons actuating such a policy?

Mr. GWYNNE:

Generally speaking, the facilities given to the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes in Army barracks are the use of the rooms forming the regimental institute and canteen, with such incidental facilities as were formerly given to the contractors who were entrusted with the conduct of canteens. The reasons for substituting the permanent organisation for the former contractors were mainly the greater efficiency so secured and the fact that recent wars had demonstrated the necessity for having such an organisation always in being, ready to function with armies in the field.