MR. J. E. ELLISI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether, in November last, orders were issued by the Military Authorities in Cork and Dublin authorising the issue to soldiers of intoxicating liquor in the Coffee and Recreation Rooms; and, if so, whether this is in accordance with the Queen's Regulations (inter alia):—Section xv., 84 (1st October, 1889)—
The Coffee Room.… is maintained for the supply of refreshments of the following nature: tea, coffee, cocoa, non-alcoholic drinks, soup, fish, eggs, bacon, cooked and preserved meats, &c.Section xv., 104—Smoking may be allowed in the Recreation Room, subject to the approval of Commanding Officers, and arrangements may also be made for the supply of tea, or coffee, or other refreshments at a regulated price; but the introduction of wine, beer, or spirits, under any pretence, is strictly prohibited.
§ *MR. E. STANHOPEI find that an experiment has been made in Ireland by the Local Military Authorities of allowing men to purchase one pint of beer with their supper in the Recreation Room. This has been done as tending, in their opinion, to reduce outside drinking. The matter has not been before brought to my notice, and all I should like to say at present is that I will communicate with the Commander-in-Chief in Ireland on the subject.