§ 6. Mr. GUYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that a fleet order has recently been issued to the effect that orders for supplies for naval ships in British ports must not be given to private traders but must be placed direct with the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes; and if he will take immediate steps to have this fleet order recalled?
The FIRST LORD of the ADMIRALTY (Sir Bolton Eyres Monsell)The Admiralty Fleet Order to which my hon. Friend presumably refers was issued to draw the attention of His Majesty's ships and naval establishments to the existing regulations in regard to the sources of supply of provisions for general messing. These regulations have been in force for many years and the issue of the order does not indicate any new policy on the part of the Admiralty. It should be understood that it is the duty of the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes to provide on all stations, with the exception of China, certain articles of foodstuffs, other than fresh provisions of a perishable nature, at a uniform price and of uniform quality. It will be evident that this system, which is of great benefit to the Fleet as a whole, can only be operated successfully if the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes are supported as regards these particular articles by all ships in home waters. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ 7. Mr. HENDERSON STEWARTasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if the recent Fleet order referring to the ordering of supplies from the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes will prevent units of the Fleet visiting Scotland during the present summer from purchasing any stores locally?
Sir B. EYRES MONSELLNo, Sir. The recent Admiralty Fleet Order was issued to draw the attention of His Majesty's ships and naval establishments to the existing regulations in regard to the sources of supply of provisions for general messing. Units of the Fleet will continue to be able to purchase locally items of fresh provisions such as eggs, fish, fruit and vegetables.