§ Mr. C. BATHURSTasked the Secretary of State for War (1) what were the circumstances which from 1901 to April, 1912, justified a special ration allowance of 1s. to men on the administrative staff of the Southern Command at Salisbury, and which are deemed by the War Office no longer to exist: and (2) whether, in view of the fact that men on the administrative staff of the Southern Command at Salisbury have, in the absence of barrack accommodation, to provide their own rations out of a monetary allowance provided for the purpose, any increase in such allowance, similar to that granted to the established audit staff attached to the same command, has been made to meet the increased cost of living?
580W
§ Mr. HAROLD BAKERIn 1889, when Tidworth was an isolated station on Salisbury Plain, a special ration allowance was granted to the first soldiers sent there, before the building of barracks. In 1901, for reasons of which the record has been destroyed in ordinary official course, this special allowance was extended to Salisbury city. In due course the necessity for its continuance came under review and it was decided that there was now no sufficient reason for giving a higher allowance at Salisbury than is given to men similarly situated at the numerous other places at which soldiers live out of barracks. As a concession to individuals six months' notice of withdrawal was given. The normal allowance of sixpence exceeds the cost of providing the regular ration in kind. I am unable to understand the hon. Member's reference to the "established audit staff."