HC Deb 01 May 1918 vol 105 cc1521-2
4. Mr. HOLT

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if boys at Osborne and Dartmouth receive during the term or the holidays rations in excess of those allowed to other boys of the same age; and, if so, what is the difference in the rations?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put this question down again next week. The colleges are in vacation, and I have not been able to obtain the necessary information in time for reply to-day.

17. Mr. HOLT

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if young men at Woolwich and Sandhurst receive during the term or the holidays rations in excess of those allowed to other young men of the same age; and, if so, what is the difference in the rations?

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

During the term the scale of rations for cadets of Woolwich and Sandhurst is the same as that for soldiers of similar age in graduated battalions. No arrangements for their feeding in the holidays are made by the military authorities.

Mr. HOLT

Are they on the scale of the Home Defence Army?

Mr. FORSTER

They are on a special scale suitable for boys under training.

Sir JOHN JARDINE

Does that apply to those at Training Cadet Schools?

Mr. FORSTER

I am not quite clear upon that point. Perhaps my hon. Friend will give me notice.

Sir HENRY CRAIK

Is it not the case that the physical work required of these young men at Woolwich and Sandhurst is very much greater than for others?

Mr. FORSTER

I think it is a matter of common knowledge and universal acceptance that boys between seventeen and nineteen want a larger proportion of food than more mature adults.