asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether naval ratings travelling by train can have a meal provided for them, when time permits, instead of the paper-bag rations now provided by the depot general mess?

The system of supplying "bag meals" from the depot general mess to naval ratings travelling by train was adopted on the recommendation of the local naval authorities, who reported that it was preferred by the men to the meals usually obtained under the meal order system. The regulations, however, still permit of meals being provided en route, if circumstances render it desirable.