HC Deb 16 May 1918 vol 106 cc515-6
17. Mr. SNOWDEN

asked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he will inquire whether the non-commissioned officers and men of the Royal Marine Engineers, South-wick Camp, Sussex, who are on the home scale of rations, have 10 ozs. of fresh meat or 7½ozs. of preserved meat, seeing that by War Office letter, No. 53/Gen., No. 9,777 (Q.M.G. 6), dated 27th April, 1917, the scale which came into force on 1st May is 8 ozs. of fresh meat instead of 10 ozs., or 6 ozs. of preserved meat instead of 7½ozs.; and will he consider the fact that though the daily allowance of 5½d. is increased by this order to 6½d., this increase of 1d. is of no value, as the food is not good?

Dr. MACNAMARA

Since the reply to the previous question on this subject it has been ascertained that the Army scale of rations for home service has been reduced from the 1st May as follows:

Fresh meat—

Reduced from 10 ozs. to 8 ozs.

Preserved meat—

Reduced from 7½ ozs. to 6 ozs.

with a corresponding increase of the daily cash allowance from 5½d. to 6½d., and this amended scale will apply to the Royal Marine Engineers at Southwick Camp in common with other troops in the Home Forces. The question of some increase in this ration is now under consideration, but no decision has yet been arrived at. I have ascertained that there have been no complaints locally as to the quality of the ration, but only as to the quantity, and that I have dealt with above.

Mr. SNOWDEN

In considering this matter will the right hon. Gentleman take into consideration the fact mentioned in the last part of the question, namely, that it is little use raising the money ration allowance when there is no food there to purchase?

Dr. MACNAMARA

That is now being considered, but I assure my hon. Friend I that he is not correct in assuming that I the quality is bad. We have made inquiries, and so far as we know the quality has not being complained of. The quantity has.

Mr. SNOWDEN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in my first question the ground of complaint is the quantity?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I will take that from my hon. Friend. The point raised here is the quality.