asked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, on 4th March, a number of soldiers stationed off the coast of Scotland were taken to the mainland by the North of Scotland Steamship Company; that the ship was held up by bad weather for 24 hours, and the troops were charged the following prices for meals: 2s. for breakfast, 3s. for dinner, 2s. for tea, and 1s. for supper; and whether, for the future, arrangements can be made either to supply the men with rations before setting out, or to provide them with meals at a cheaper rate?

I have not been able to verify the prices charged on the occasion referred to, but the arrangement is that soldiers can obtain breakfast, dinner or a meat tea for 1s. 6d. in each case. Normally, only one meal would be required.