§ SIR J. COLOMBI beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware of the quantities of bread always to be seen floating about in Portsmouth Harbour, presumably thrown overboard from Her Majesty's ships; and whether he will call the attention of the authorities to this matter, with a view of stopping the practice of throwing loaves and parts of loaves overboard in large quantities in that and other naval ports?
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTYOn inquiry of the Commander-in-Chief at Portsmouth, I can find no foundation for the assumption that the practice prevails of throwing overboard loaves and parts of loaves from Her Majesty's ships in the harbour. The training ship regulations forbid the throwing of bread overboard, and all broken meat and other refuse on board the St. Vincent are sold to a contractor, and in the case of the naval depôt there is a similar contract for the removal of surplus refuse food; while all waste food, such as bread, meat, and potatoes, is taken away every day by the nurses from the Nazareth Home. The officers at Portsmouth state that they have not noticed bread floating in the harbour.
§ SIR J. COLOMBMay I explain that this Question is based on my own observation? The other day, in crossing the harbour, I counted no fewer than 15 loaves in the water.
§ THE FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTYMy honourable and gallant Friend bases his Question on what he 568 saw on one visit only. My reply is that there is no reason whatever to believe that the practice prevails. I called for a Report dealing with the matter; inquiries have been made in consequence, and it seems very improbable that the officers making them would be deceived.
§ SIR J. COLOMBMay I say, Sir, that I have frequently observed this waste?