§ 54. Mr. CHARLES DUNCANasked the Secretary to the Admiralty what steps, if any, have been taken to inform the warrant officers and men of the Navy about the change of conditions under which the rum ration will be issued as from 1st July; and what system the accounting officers of His Majesty's ships are to adopt to ascertain the wishes of the men, or if there is only to be an automatic change in the lettering on the ledgers?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe revised regulations have been promulgated to the Fleet by Circular Letter, a copy of which I have sent to my hon. Friend. From to-morrow men who desire to draw the spirit ration in kind must signify their wishes to the accountant officer or his representative, otherwise they will be credited automatically with the money allowance in lieu. I cannot give details of the exact procedure on board ship which will be followed in giving effect to the new arrangement, as this must be left to the discretion of the officers in command; but I would remind my hon. Friend that it is the intention of the Admiralty to watch closely the effect of the change of conditions, and with this object reports will be called for from the Fleet in six months' time.