Written Answers
Recruits (Badges)
asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether he will consider the advisability of issuing a conspicuous badge of honour which may be worn by registered recruits while they are waiting to be called up for training?
Men whose names have been registered are not kept waiting long, and it has not been considered advisable to issue badges.
Greenwich Board Of Guardians (Children's Dietary)
asked the President of the Local Government Board if the Greenwich Board of Guardians have, as an alleged consequence of the War, considerably curtailed the dietary allowed to the children in the homes under their control, and, among other changes, have disallowed the egg formerly provided once a week and the bacon which formerly constituted one of the children's dinners, and have also reduced the supply of milk; and, if so, whether he proposes to make any representations to the Greenwich Board of Guardians in respect of these reductions?
I have been in communication with the board of guardians, and I am informed that the supply of eggs and bacon was discontinued for a time owing to the high prices of these articles, but was resumed when the prices dropped to a reasonable figure. When the eggs and bacon were not supplied, adequate substitutes were provided. The supply of milk has not been curtailed, except for a short period when the contractor could not deliver the full quantity. During this time the full amount was supplied to the younger children, the shortage being made up by a supply of condensed milk for the elder boys. I understand that care is taken, by means of personal inspection on the part of the master and matron of the homes, to secure that the children are always well fed.
Cinchona (Export)
asked the Under-Secretary of State for India whether the Government of India has prohibited the export of cinchona, and, if so, whether he will, if no objection exists, inform the House of the reasons for such prohibition?
By a Notification issued on the 10th August, 1914, the Government of India prohibited the export from India, except by land, of medical and surgical stores and equipment of every description. The reason for the prohibition was to ensure the retention in India I of sufficient supplies of this kind for Government requirements.