§ Mr. BoyesTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what is the beer ration allowed to ratings in nuclear submarines per week; what advice his medical officers give about the safe levels of consumption for men on nuclear submarines; and if he will institute a review of the Royal Navy's policy on the issue of alcohol to ratings.
§ Mr. NeubertI refer the hon. Gentleman to the answers I gave on 3 May at column127 concerning limits on alcohol consumption by ratings on board RN vessels, and on 12 April at columns 610 and 611 on instituting a policy review.
Advice on sensible levels of alcohol consumption is given in group situations, and to individuals where a medical officer considers it appropriate. But it would be wrong to impose further restrictions on service personnel which are not justified by operational or safety considerations.