§ SIR HERBERT MAXWELL (for Mr. DIGBY)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether offers have been invited for the supply of tinned meat for British troops in the field from such firms in the Australasian and other British Colonies as are prepared to tender; and, if so, what was the relative price, as compared with the prices charged American firms, who hold the contrcts at present?
§ SIR ARTHUR HAYTERThe bulk of the Australian tinned meat comes to this country in tins of a shape not suited for field service. When the meat is in suitable tins, and of approved brands, it is always taken if the conditions are equal, and the price not higher than that of American meat.
§ SIR HERBERT MAXWELLasked whether any preference was shown for Colonial beef?
§ SIR ARTHUR HAYTERsaid, that if the price was equal the Australian meat was taken in preference.