§ MR. RITCHIEasked the Under Secretary of State for India, Whether it is true that the troops in India are supplied with beer in the proportion of three-fourths Indian and one-fourth English brewed beer; whether English brewers have the opportunity afforded them of competing with Indian brewers in all contracts which are made for the supplies required; and, whether he has any objection to lay upon the Table of the House the particulars of the contracts entered into both in India and England for the supply of beer for 1878 and 1879, giving the prices and conditions?
§ MR. E. STANHOPEAll food for the troops in India is obtained locally if possible. Some of the troops are supplied entirely with Indian beer, and I am informed that it is liked. The Government of India buy a considerable quantity of beer in the Punjab and neighbouring districts, for the supply of which Indian brewers alone compete. The particulars for which my hon. Friend asks would not afford the means of making a fair comparison between the cost of English and Indian beer, because the cost of inland carriage, which is very heavy, ought to be taken into account. But the Secretary of State will be ready to make a careful inquiry into the matter; and if my hon. Friend will supply any information which he possesses on the subject, we shall be much obliged.