§ 39. Mr. Dayasked the Secretary of State for War the extent to which tinned or preserved milk is at present supplied to the various units in the Army at stations at home and/or abroad?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaAt home stations, milk is purchased under regimental arrangements from the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes out of a daily cash allowance, and information is not available as to the amount of tinned or preserved milk so obtained. The milk supplied to units abroad is principally in the form of full cream unsweetened tinned milk, the bulk of which is of home origin.
§ Mr. DayDo the authorities impress upon the officers the importance of using fresh milk where possible?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaYes, Sir.
§ Mr. Garro JonesIs it not a matter of interest to the War Office to know what proportion of fresh milk is consumed by the troops, particularly having regard to the pressure by the Army and Navy Institutes to push the sale of tinned and canned products, to the detriment of the health of the troops?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaThe matter is in the discretion of the units concerned. While it is a very interesting matter, they are given the cash and are allowed to purchase what they think best.
§ Mr. Garro JonesIs it not a matter of concern to the War Office if the cash is expended on foods which do not give the necessary nutritive value to the Army which the right hon. Gentleman administers?
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaOf course it is a matter of interest, but I have explained to the hon. Member that this matter is within the discretion of the units, and therefore the amount purchased varies at different times.