HC Deb 12 December 1928 vol 223 c2097
12. Sir B. FALLE

asked 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. FALLE

Will my hon. and gallant Friend give me a reason or an excuse for that answer?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

I do not think any excuse is necessary.

Sir B. FALLE

But there must be a reason for arriving at that decision, and can I not have it?

Lieut.-Colonel HEADLAM

The reason is that the Admiralty think the present arrangement the best for all concerned.

Mr. MONTAGUE

Could not these ales and stouts be provided as medical comforts?