§ Captain CLIVEasked what are the reasons for making the new appointment of a retired officer employed as messing adviser at the War Office, in addition to the director of supplies and the deputy-assistant director; what are the duties attaching to the office, and by whom were these duties previously performed; what 2384W are the expenses that bring the total vote for this new office to £800, though the salary is only £300; and who is to be the first holder of the office?
§ Colonel SEELYIt is considered necessary to appoint an officer having special qualifications as a messing expert and judge of the quality of the various articles of diet, to visit units and advise commanding officers both as regards price and quality of supplies other than those of the free issue, and as to best methods of cooking and serving, and thus ensure a certain standardisation of messing arrangements throughout the Army. Such duties have not hitherto been specifically allotted to anyone. As regard the Vote, the sum of £800 is composed of £500 for the retired pay of the retired officer and £300 for the salary of the post. The name of the officer will be announced in due course.