§ MR. CAINE (Cornwall, Camborne)To ask the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that on 20th September last the chief supply and transport officer at Tientsin sold, by public tender, 5,540 gallons of rum, part of the surplus stores of the British contingent; and will he state to whom was this rum sold, for what purpose was it originally placed in store, and is it now the rule to supply spirits to British soldiers in the field.
1184 (Answered by Secretary Lord George, Hamilton.) No report has been received from the general officer commanding the China force as to the sale of the rum referred to. A small daily issue of rum to men on active service is permitted by the regulations, at the discretion of the general officer commanding, on the recommendation of the medical officer.