§ Mr. Perkinsasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that Russian matches were sold to officers on His Majesty's Ship "Revenge" while at Gibraltar last March; whether he will state the price charged for a dozen boxes; and whether Russian matches are supplied to all ships?
§ Mr. Shakespeare:As regards the first and second parts of the question I understand that some Naval ratings when they were ashore at Gibraltar purchased Russian matches from local dealers at the rate of 2s. a gross.
As regards the third part, matches are not supplied to His Majesty's Ships and Establishments by the Admiralty but are stocked in the canteens, which, except on the China and New Zealand Stations, are conducted by the N.A.A.F.I. Officers Messes obtain their supplies either from the canteens or through their messman.
I understand that at the present time only British matches are stocked by the N.A.A.F.I. in ships of the Home Fleet, but in ships on the Mediterranean Station both British and foreign matches are stocked.