Admiralty Order in Council No. 51

7 March 1899.

V.

Whereas under the Regulations for the Government of Your Majesty's Navy, Articles 1729 and 1732, Men under 20 years of age and Boys do not receive a Spirit Ration, but are allowed the option of receiving in lieu thereof -

1. The Savings Price of the Rum ; or
2. Substituted Rations, for which Savings may be paid for any part not taken up.

And whereas in Your Majesty's Depot Ships at the Home Ports, where the number of Men borne is considerably larger than in other Ships of Your Majesty's Navy, and where changes are constantly taking place, the numerous and small payments, as separate items, of these Savings entail much clerical labour and many difficulties.

And whereas we are of opinion that it is desirable with a view to reducing the work at present involved to introduce in these Depot Ships a commuted rate for the Spirit Ration in lieu of the system of payment of Savings, or the issue of Substituted Rations in lieu, without causing extra expense to the Crown, or loss to the Men generally.

We beg leave, therefore, humbly to submit that Your Majesty may be graciously pleased by Your Order in Council to sanction the payment of Grog Money at the commuted rate of four shillings per quarter, or four pence per week for broken periods, in lieu of Spirit Ration to Men under 20 years of age and Boys in Your Majesty's Depot Ships at the Home Ports, under the following conditions : -

1. Payable only while the Men are actually serving in the Depot Ship or her Tenders.
2. Not payable to Men lent to Mobilised Ships, or on passage, although borne in the Depot Ship for pay.
3. Not payable to Men on long leave, or in Hospital, as they are not then entitled to the Spirit Ration.

The Lords Commissioner's of Your Majesty's Treasury have signified their concurrence herein.

V. 1032 / 1899

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