§ 22. Sir H. CARLILEasked the right hon. Gentleman whether, in view of the fact that when a man-of-war is engaged in battle practice or in a gunlayers test most captains withhold the grog issue until the evening, and that in the Russian Navy 7s. 2d. each month is allowed to seamen in lieu of the vodka ration, has will consider the advisability of instituting a money alternative for the grog in the British Navy for those men who may prefer it?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLThe suggestion made in the question is already in force, and men who prefer not to take up the spirit ration receive a money allowance in lieu.
§ Sir H. CARLILEWhat is the nature of the money allowance?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLNine-sixteenths of a penny.
§ Sir H. CARLILEPer diem.
§ Mr. CHURCHILLYes, per diem, in lieu of the grog allowance. That is much more expensive to the Admiralty than the grog allowance, so far as mere pounds, shillings, and pence are concerned.
Mr. FRED HALLIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in the Russian Navy an allowance of 7s. 2d. a month is made in lieu of grog allowance, which is considerably more than the amount allowed here?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member ought to give notice of that question.