asked the Secretary of State for War in how many Territorial camps this year the canteens are being or have been run by the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes; how many units run their own canteens and how many units let the running of their canteens to contractors?

I regret that the information asked for is not readily available, and could not be obtained without a disproportionate expenditure of time and labour.

Is it not very important that this fact should be known so that we could feed the troops as cheaply and as well as possible?

In view of the great labour involved in obtaining this information I hope the hon. Member will not press me to get it as a great deal of labour is now cast upon the authorities, and I have not the information readily available.

In view of the fact that we are having many complaints of a general shortage of food in certain Territorial camps, particularly in the East Riding, will the right hon. Gentleman consider sending a representative of the Army Catering Advisory Department to look into this matter during the current period of training?

Yes, Sir, with a great deal of pleasure. If the hon. Member will specify the units he has in mind I will see that an inspector goes at once. That practice has invariably been followed.