HC Deb 10 May 1916 vol 82 cc640-1
77. Mr. CROOKS

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the ration allowance to men of the antiaircraft detachments in the London district has been reduced from 1s. 9d. to 1s. 7d.; whether with this sum the men are unable to supply themselves with rations equal in amount to the rations issued by the authorities, and are having to supplement them out of their pay; and whether he will consider the possibility of making more adequate allowance?

80. Mr. HOGGE

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office why the allowance for soldiers messed regimentally or by local authorities has been reduced from 1s. 9d. to 1s. 7d.?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Forster)

I am in the same case as my right hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for War in that my answers have not arrived, but I think I can answer the question without waiting for the draft. It is quite correct that the ration allowance has been reduced from 1s. 9d. to 1s. 7d. That follows from the reduction in the ration itself. As the ration has been reduced by ¼lb. of meat it appeared to me that there was no occasion to continue to pay the full amount of the ration allowance.

Mr. ASHLEY

Is this deduction made outside the London area as well?

Mr. FORSTER

Yes, Sir.