8. Mr. SHIRLEY BENNasked why the Admiralty advised the War Risk Insurance Office to insure stocks belonging to canteen contractors against losses incurred 1091 through damage to and sinking of His Majesty's ships in war and still decline to recommend the same course being extended to the naval wine merchants' stocks, which, in accordance with a well-established usage, are kept on board ship?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe canteens are worked under contracts arranged and supervised by the Admiralty as part of the regular messing system of the Fleet. It was necessary to provide a method of guaranteeing the canteen contractors against war risk in order to secure the maintenance of the canteens under war conditions. The supply of wine to officers' messes is not controlled by the Admiralty, officers being free to make their own arrangements for purchase and supply.