§ Mr. Mike O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many meals a day each service man in(a) the Royal Marines and (b) the Army is allowed.
§ Mr. SoamesService personnel in both the Royal Marines and the Army are provided with three meals per day. Where they are employed on extra duties an additional meal, such as supper, is provided.
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many calories the Army Catering Corps is expected to provide each soldier with on a daily basis for the sum set as a food allowance; and how many calories are actually provided on average.
§ Mr. SoamesRation scales vary according to location. The home ration scale used in all United Kingdom establishments is designed to provide 2,900 kilo-calories nett—that is, after loss through preparation and cooking. The general overseas ration scale used in overseas bases includes an arduous duty allowance, to allow for climate and provides 3,400 kilo-calories nett. In field conditions, where personnel are fed from operational ration packs, 3,800 kilo-calories are provided.
It is not possible to calculate how many calories are actually provided. Most establishments offer a "self-serve" system of service and by their choice of food 584W service personnel may marginally increase or decrease their actual calorific intake.