§ 98. Sir C. Osborneasked the Secretary of State for Defence when the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes stopped buying knives, forks and spoons from Sheffield manufacturers; how much has been purchased from Hong Kong and Japan, respectively, and at how much below the Sheffield prices; to what extent this policy of ceasing to buy English-made goods is being applied to other supplies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RamsdenThe Navy, Army and Air Force Institute's purchasing arrangements are not a matter for my Department but for the N.A.A.F.I. Board of Management. As N.A.A.F.I. is required to pay its way and is not financed from Votes the Board must be free to exercise their commercial judgment in such a matter. The purchases of tableware to which the hon. Member refers are for use in Forces' clubs and restaurants where costs must obviously be kept down if the Serviceman is to be given an economical service.