HC Deb 13 June 1950 vol 476 c3W
37. Mr. Marples

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he will cancel the recent increased charges for hire of War Department camping gear on the grounds that youth organisations had already fixed their prices on the old scale of charges.

38. Mr. Nield

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware of the great concern caused by the increased charges for the hire of War Department camping gear by youth organisations; and if he will reduce such charges.

Mr. Strachey

These charges represent the actual cost to the War Department. They have been carefully assessed in the light of experience and any reduction would in effect be a subsidy to the hirers. I do not think it is reasonable that Army funds should bear such a charge.