§ Mr. GINNELLasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will state the total value of each kind of intoxicating drink served to the Army on active service from the beginning of the War to the latest date for which the figures are available; which kind is usually served when the men are going into action; whether all are compelled to take it; and what difference is made between the quantity or strength of that served to coloured troops and that served to white troops?
§ Mr. FORSTERAs regards the first part of the question, I regret that no figures are available.
A small ration of rum is sometimes issued at the discretion of the General Officer Commanding, on medical recommendation, generally under unfavourable weather conditions. Issues of intoxicating liquor are not made in other circumstances, except to men in hospital.
No soldier is compelled to take a liquor ration.
The scale for coloured troops in France is 2 fluid Qzs. of rum 25 per cent. under proof, as against half a gill 4.5 per cent. under proof for white troops.