asked the Minister for Defence the reason for the continuing high cost of food, etc. to Army members throughout the country, when purchased by them for immediate consumption in Army barracks; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

It is not clear what costs the Deputy has in mind. However, I do not accept the implication that soldiers are being overcharged for their food.

Soldiers living in barracks are supplied with the normal daily meals at a very reasonable charge.

Would the Minister agree that the cost of ordinary incidental snacks in barracks seems to be at a standard figure throughout the year despite the fact that the consumer cost of the food involved dropped at various times? This does not seem to be taken into account. Will the Minister review the position?

Snacks are a discretion-ary aspect of a person's daily intake of food. The deduction made in respect of normal meals for soldiers living in barracks is £1.57 per day. This has not been increased since 1983. It indicates that the level of prices has been taken into account. A reduction of £1.57 per day is very reasonable in relation to food.