THE FIGHTING FORCES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22835, 20 March 1936, Page 16

THE FIGHTING FORCES

NO BUTTER RATION (From Our Own Corresi’ondent) (By Air Mail) LONDON, February 22. The Loyal Air Force is supplied with margarine, but has no butter in its daily rations. This was revealed by Sir Philip Sassoon, Ur.der-secretary for Air, replying to a question by Mr F. Anderson, M.P. for Whitehaven, in the House of Commons on February 19. Lord Stanley (Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty) and Sir Victor Warrender (Financial Secretary to the War Office) had previously informed Sir William Wayland, M.P. for Canterbury, that margarine was also the normal ration for the navy and army. Sir Philip said that during the last 12 months some 200 tons of margarine —all Home produced—were supplied by the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes to Loyal Air Force stations at Home. Margarine was not issued in kind, but was°puichased by the men's mess out of cash allowance. Mr Anderson: The right honourable gentleman has referred to margarine only. There is no mention of butter in his reply. Will he answer my question with regard to butter? Mr T. Williams: What sort of education is there in the Loyal Air Force which requires people to buy 200 tons of margarine a year? Mr Anderson: May I have au answer to my question? I am entitled to an answer. Sir P. Sassoon: I have answered the question. The questioner asks what quantity of butter was consumed. My answer is to show that margarine was issued. Mr Anderson: Am T to understand that butter is not supplied to any members of the Air Force, either officers or ordinary ranks? Sir Philip Sassoon: Not as a ration.