§ 1. Mr. PATRICKasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the approximate proportion of fresh and preserved milk, respectively, consumed by troops stationed in the United Kingdom; and whether, in the interest of the health of the troops and that of home milk producers, he will consider the possibility 922 of taking steps to increase the proportion of fresh milk consumed?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Douglas Hacking)Milk is purchased for the troops regimentally from the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes out of a daily cash allowance, and it is within the discretion of units whether they purchase fresh or preserved milk, both of which are obtainable from the Institutes. Definite information is not available as to the proportions of fresh and preserved milk consumed, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the importance of using fresh milk is impressed both on the messing officers of units and on the soldiers' families.
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSIs it not the fact that absolutely no fresh or foreign milk is issued as a ration to the troops?
§ Mr. HACKINGAs far as the troops are concerned the milk is purchased regimentally and the War Office have no direct concern in the purchase.