14. Mr. YOUNGasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will explain the term mess traps, as applied in victualling and clothing for the Navy; and whether the increase in the amount of money needed for mess traps is due to or brought about by the new general messing arrangements foreshadowed in Fleet orders?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMThe term "Mess Traps" includes china, glass, cutlery, and other table ware, cooking and kitchen utensils, etc., required in connection with the messing of officers and men. The increase in the amount needed for 1928 is not attributable to the general messing arrangements, but to a decrease in the surplus stocks available for reduction of purchases during the year.