HC Deb 15 February 1933 vol 274 cc983-4
11 and 12. Captain HAROLD BALFOUR

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty (1) if Jamaica rum is supplied for the rum issue to naval ratings on the West Indies station;

(2) if rum for naval issue on the West Indies station is bought by local purchase or by the Admiralty on the London market; and whether, in the latter case, shipment is made from England to the West Indies station?

The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Sir Bolton Eyres Monsell)

Navy rum as issued to the Fleet is a blend of rums bought on the London market, all Empire products, including Jamaica when price permits. The blend is in such proportions as long experience has shown to produce the flavour preferred by the men. The blending process is carried out at the Deptford Victualling Yard, where the rum is stored in vats before issue to ships. This procedure is the most economical and the most practical.

Captain BALFOUR

Could my right hon. Friend say what proportion of the rum used is Jamaica rum?

Sir B. EYRES MONSELL

A very small proportion, owing to its price and owing to its not being liked by men in the Navy.

Captain BALFOUR

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the comment of the men on shore does not bear out his contention that they do not like the rum, and that the Government laboratories say they can make any blend of rum of any kind that is required?

Viscountess ASTOR

Is it not true that most of the men of the British Navy prefer a money allowance to rum in these days?

Mr. LAWSON

Is it not possible to give the Cabinet a dose of this rum?