§ 16. Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for War whether there are any alternatives offered at the time that the num 143 ration is offered to men on service in this country; and what steps are taken to let men know that alternatives are available?
§ The Secretary of State for War (Mr. Hore-Belisha)The regulation clearly provides that cocoa or tea is an alternative to rum on the special occasions when an extra stimulant is certified by the medical officer to be necessary in the interests of the health of the troops, and cocoa has, in fact, proved to be a favourite alternative during the inclement weather conditions recently experienced.
§ Mr. MathersThe point of the question is whether the attention of the troops is drawn to this alternative.
§ Mr. Hore-BelishaI think they are well aware of the alternative, and, if not, I will see what more can be done.