§ 12. Sir B. FALLEasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether permission can he given to chief and petty officers' messes in shore establishments to purchase ales and stouts direct from the brewers, in the same way as the sergeants' messes at Marine headquarters, in order to make up in some measure the financial loss sustained by the compulsory introduction of general messing?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Lieut.-Colonel Head lam)The answer is in the negative.
§ Sir B. FALLEWill my hon. and gallant Friend give me a reason or an excuse for that answer?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMI do not think any excuse is necessary.
§ Sir B. FALLEBut there must be a reason for arriving at that decision, and can I not have it?
§ Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAMThe reason is that the Admiralty think the present arrangement the best for all concerned.
§ Mr. MONTAGUECould not these ales and stouts be provided as medical comforts?