§ Mr. HASLAMasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware of the 358W wastefulness in food, clothing, petrol, and other supplies still existing among the forces in France; whether he is aware that where the responsible officers take an interest in preventing extravagance the results from an economical point of view are satisfactory and the salvage corps are doing excellent work, while where responsible officers are indifferent waste is the rule; whether he will take steps to institute a thorough inspection with regard to such wastefulness and call the attention of both officers and men to the necessity of economical usage of supplies in all directions; whether he is aware that the tobacco ration is generally thrown away, the men usually preferring cigarettes; and whether it is contrary to regulations to return to stores supplies not required for consumption?
§ Mr. FORSTERNo, Sir; I am not aware that waste is general. Strict orders have been issued to ensure economy, and I have no reason to suppose that they are not observed, as far as conditions of war allow. If my hon. Friend will give me particulars of waste I will cause inquiry to be made. In regard to the last part of the question, I may mention that the troops have the option of a ration of cigarettes. It is not contrary to regulations to return to store supplies which are not required.