§ 17. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Secretary of State for War the weight of the respective daily issues to members of His Majesty's Forces of the various rationed commodities allowed to civilians?
§ Captain MargessonAs the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Sir T. MooreDo these figures show any marked discrimination between the amount of food allowed to the Civil Defence Services, which are in the war all the time, compared with soldiers, who are actually only preparing for war?
§ Captain MargessonMy hon. and gallant Friend had better look at the figures.
§ Following is the answer:
| — | Daily issues. | |
| Men. | Women. | |
| Oz. | Oz. | |
| Meat | 8 | 6 |
| Sugar | 2½ | 2 |
| Butter | — | ½ |
| Margarine | 1½ | 1 |
| Tea | ⅜ | ⅜ |
| Bacon | 12/7 | 11/7 |
§ 18. Sir T. Mooreasked the Secretary of State for War the authority which decides the composition and quantities of the rations issued to the Forces, and on whose advice this decision is taken?
§ Captain MargessonThe responsibility for the composition of the various Army ration scales rests with the Army Council, who are advised by the military medical authorities, military and civilian catering advisers, various scientific and other bodies, and the Ministry of Food. The scales vary according to country, nationality and the availability and suitability of different types of food, and are designed to maintain the necessary standard of health and military efficiency under all conditions of service. For native troops, the best local advice is taken.
§ Sir T. MooreWhile a certain amount of food is necessary to feed one individual, would not any housewife tell us that to 1207 feed 500 men requires far less food per man, and will that be borne in mind in the question of rationing?
§ Captain MargessonThe Army ration has been reduced from time to time, and I do not exclude from my mind that process being continued.
Viscountess AstorWill my right hon. and gallant Friend consider putting a thoroughly competent house manager in this section of the Army?