§ Mr. Bossomasked the Secretary of State for War what was the approximate amount of money spent in the last financial year on the work of the Army Education Corps, the regional committees of the Central Advisory Council for Adult Education in His Majesty's Forces and the Army Bureau of Current Affairs, respectively; and under which of these three organisations the Brains Trust meetings, so popular in the Services, are being organised?
§ Sir J. GriggThe total sum spent in the past financial year on the war-time education scheme, in the administration of which the Army Educational Corps and the Central Advisory Council for Adult Education in His Majesty's Forces, with its regional committees, are both concerned, and within which their respective shares cannot be separated, was about £232,000, of which £21,000 was spent on the administrative work of the regional committees. This total does not include expenditure on the Army Bureau of Current Affairs, in the work of which the Army Educational Corps plays a part, or the cost of the Army Educational Corps personnel. During the six months of its existence which come within the time in question about £17,000 was spent on the Army Bureau of Current Affairs. Brains Trust meetings are held in certain units and stations under the direction of the Army Educational Corps, civilian members being usually supplied by regional committees for education among His Majesty's Forces. Any expenditure in this connection is met from the money allotments made to Commands for Army Education. A certain number of Brains Trusts are run by the Entertainments National Service Association and financed from their funds as a form of Sunday entertainment. Some units also organise their own Brains Trusts independently.