§ Mr. GODFREY COLLINSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the recent experience of economic causes tending to promote temperance, he can see his way to increase the money provision to seamen in lieu of grog, as tentatively foreshadowed by the Secretary to the Admiralty in 1908?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe question of increasing the money allowance (grog money), paid in lieu of the spirit ration, was very fully considered in 1908, and reports were obtained from the Fleet as to the probable effect of any change. It was open to question in the light of the evidence received whether the interests of temperance would really be promoted by increasing the allowance. The position to-day is substantially the same as in 1908, and it is not proposed, therefore, to reopen the question. The point, however, is one which the Admiralty will keep in view.