§ Sir GEORGE TOULMINasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether the ships of His Majesty's Navy at sea have a sufficient supply of sea-boots and other requisites for winter cruising?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe answer is in the affirmative. To meet the special requirements of the situation, the Admiralty have increased the supply of protective clothing supplied to His Majesty's ships—such as sea-boots, oilskins, etc.—at a cost of over £300,000. They have also provided a very large amount of personal warm clothing for the men, such as caps, gloves, jerseys, etc., involving the expenditure of something like another £300,000. My hon. Friend is no doubt aware that each rating is supplied with a free kit on entry. The Admiralty have thus taken steps to supply the men of the Fleet with all necessaries in the way of clothing, though doubtless supplementary comforts would at all times be welcome, and with reference to certain statements which have appeared, we made it clear in our communication to the Press on the 16th September that we were not asking for additional supplies from private sources, but merely endeavouring to suggest the direction in which private enterprise might be usefully applied. Information which we have received from the Commander-in-Chief indicates, that the results of that enterprise have been very greatly appreciated by the men of the Fleet. Private supplies can usefully consist of woollen caps, jerseys, mitts, woolen drawers, thick socks and stockings, and warm mufflers. Parcels can be sent to particular ships, addressed c/o General Post Office, London; but when the supply is too large to be sent by post, application should be made to the Director of Victualling, Admiralty, London, who will advise as to the dispatch of the goods.