§ MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAYI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the rations of soldiers in billets are to be reduced as follows: bread 8 ozs. instead of 1 lb., potatoes 8 ozs. instead of 1 lb., meat 1 lb. instead of 1¼ lb., beer 1 pint instead of 2 pints; if so, what compensation will the soldier receive: and whether it is calculated that the Government will make any saving by these reductions, and, if so, what, and how is it to be applied.
§ MR. HALDANEIf the hon. and gallant Member will kindly examine 454 Schedules 1 and 2 of the Army Annual Bill he will find that the soldiers' rations in billets have not been reduced, but, on the contrary, have been spread over three meals instead of two at an increased total cost of two shillings a day, in lieu of 1s. 9d.
§ MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAYHas the beer ration been reduced by one-half?
§ MR. HALDANEThat is a matter of detail.
§ MAJOR ANSTRUTHER-GRAYIt is a very important one to the soldier.