§ 141. Mr. Sharpasked the Secretary of State for War whether he will augment the rations provided for troops in Burma so that additional purchases of foodstuffs for other ranks messes, paid for by the private soldier, are no longer necessary.
§ Mr. BellengerThe ration scale in South East Asia, including Burma, is higher than in any other command, and is adequate. In some out-of-the-way spots units do not receive as much fresh fruit and vegetables as I would wish but canned equivalents are always issued. It is, however, the policy to issue fresh commodities wherever supplies are sufficient to meet the full needs of the unit concerned. I understand that occasionally when small quantities of fresh fruit and vegetables become available at irregular intervals in remote areas purchases of such items are sometimes made from voluntary contributions by the troops.