§ 14. Sir MURDOCH McKENZIE WOODasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether herring are supplied regularly for food to the Army; and, if not, whether arrangements will be made for this to be done?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Douglas Hacking)Fish does not form part of the standard ration, but is purchased by units out of the messing cash allowance. Commanding Officers are instructed to include fish, both fresh and dried, in the dietary as often as possible.
§ Mr. PETHERICKIs there any reason why fish should not be included in the standard ration?
§ Mr. HACKINGThe only standard V ration is meat and bread, and the troops would prefer meat, I think, as a general rule, to fish.
§ Sir M. WOODWhat reason has the right hon. Gentleman for thinking that they would prefer meat to fish?
§ Mr. HACKINGBecause I think it is clear that the troops will not sacrifice meat in order to obtain fish.
§ Sir M. WOODWill the right hon. Gentleman see that the troops get an opportunity of tasting fresh herring in season which are actually fresh?
§ Mr. HACKINGThey have an opportunity out of the messing cash allowance.