32. Mr. CHANCELLORasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether the War Office will take steps to provide some form of hot liquid refreshment to be supplied as a matter of course to total abstainers in the Army as an alternative to the rum ration, seeing that appeals are being made for private donations for that purpose which should be a responsibility of the Government; and whether he is aware of the appreciation of, and thanks for, the alternative thus privately provided which has been publicly expressed by General Wilcocks, the officer in command of the Indian forces?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Mr. Tennant)It is generally impossible to provide for any form of hot liquid refreshment to be supplied to total abstainers in the Army as an alternative to rum, because of the difficulties of making hot beverages on occasions when 1550 rum is issued. Hot soup is issued on leaving the trenches to all ranks, including total abstainers, but this, of course, is prepared in the men's billets behind the trenches.
§ Mr. MACMASTERI should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman what is the alternative for refreshment administered to the troops in the trenches when they are total abstainers and decline to take rum rations; and, in addition, I would like to ask whether there is any truth in the statement that attempts have been made to introduce the rum ration to total abstainers through the medium of coffee?
§ Mr. TENNANTI am informed that there is no truth in the suggestion that that endeavour has been made. As I have frequently stated in the House, the rum ration is only issued to those who desire to receive it, on the recommendation of the medical officer.
§ Mr. MACMASTERWhat is the alternative that is open to total abstainers to receive instead of the rum ration?
§ Mr. TENNANTI am afraid there is no alternative.
Mr. PIKE PEASEWill not the right hon. Gentleman consider the question of giving them an alternative?
§ Mr. TENNANTIf the hon. Gentleman will be so kind as to suggest one I will consider it. It is very difficult to know what would be an alternative, as we have no facilities for making anything hot.