§ 90. Major Wallasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is yet in a position to make a statement on the result of his inquiries into the prices charged by the Navy, Army and Air Forces Institutes in Egypt.
§ Mr. HareYes. I am satisfied that the prices charged by Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes both for bulk canteen supplies to units for resale to troops under unit arrangements, and for the goods sold direct to the troops from N.A.A.F.I. mobile vans, were reasonable and in accordance with the price list approved by N.A.A.F.I. Headquarters in London.
It is true, however, that some units took into Egypt canteen stores which they had bought in Cyprus or in the United Kingdom. These were resold at Cyprus or United Kingdom prices, respectively, and some items were therefore dearer in the early stages of operations. All profits were, or will be, used for the benefit of the men of the units concerned. General Stockwell is himself satisfied that prices have generally been reasonable and that there was no exploitation. I should like to express my appreciation of the fine job which N.A.A.F.I. did in Port Said in very difficult circumstances.
§ 91. Mr. Longdenasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is satisfied with the prices being charged by the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes in Cyprus.
§ Mr. HareYes. Some prices are higher in Cyprus than in the United Kingdom, but this is taken into account in fixing the rates of local overseas allowance.