§ 64. Mr. MOLTENOasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the shortage of food, he will arrange for a ration for the Fleet which will include fish, which is available in large quantities in the vicinity of the North Sea stations?
§ Dr. MACNAMARANavy victualling consists of a fixed ration of the minimum food essentials issued in kind, supplemented by a money allowance which can be expended by the men at will, either in taking up further quantities of the ration articles (within certain limits), or in purchasing other kinds of food through the canteen. The ration has been reviewed recently and certain reductions made. There is nothing in it for which fish could be substituted except fresh meat, and for this it is not advisable to substitute fish. But if my hon. Friend is correct as to the quantity of fish availiable, no doubt it can be obtained by the men through the canteen out of their messing allowance.