HC Deb 21 August 1916 vol 85 c2247
28. Colonel AUBREY HERBERT

asked how the vegetables for the troops stationed at Aden are sent there?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

They are sent from Bombay; but the Government of India informed me some weeks ago that they were arranging to restart the old commissariat garden at Sheikh Othman.

Colonel HERBERT

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if they are sent by cold storage or upon decks?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am sorry to say that cold storage is not available. They have had to be sent as cargo in the ordinary way.

29. Colonel HERBERT

asked whether ice is provided for the troops all the year round at Aden?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The answer is in the negative. I am having the matter considered. It has never been the practice in peace time to issue the ration alluded to, but I am having the matter inquired into.

Colonel HERBERT

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider that owing to the very great severity of the weather ice ought to be issued as a ration the whole year through?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I have told my hon. and gallant Friend that that has never been done in peace time, but my attention having been drawn to the matter I am having it considered. I think my hon. and gallant Friend might for the moment be content with that answer.