§ MR. HANBURY (Preston)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether it is considered that the authorised ration of the seaman of the Royal Navy is his own property to the same extent as the ration of the soldier; if so, is it a fact that the skimmings of the Fleet, derived from the cooking of these rations, have been alienated from the men, sold, and the proceeds paid into the Public Exchequer; and how much has been paid into the Public Exchequer on this account during the last 10 years, and will the Admiralty authorise this 83 money, as well as all future sums obtained by such sales, to be credited for the benefit of the seamen of the Fleet?
THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Sir U. KAY-SHUTTLEWOBTH,) Lancashire, ClitheroeThe system in force for victualling the Navy differs widely from that in force for the Army, nor can the authorised rations of the seamen be regarded as their own property. The skimmings have never been so regarded, and have not, therefore, been alienated from the men as suggested in the question.