HC Deb 07 June 1883 vol 279 cc1901-2
DR. CAMERON

asked the Secretary of State for War, with reference to the unsound flour received in Egypt for the use of our troops, and the statement respecting it submitted to Lord Morley's Commission by the Assistant Director of Supplies and Transport, Whether the samples were prior to its purchase submitted to and approved by the Director of Supplies and Transport, and the Commissary General at head quarters, or any official trained as a commissariat officer; and, if so, whom; who is responsible for mode of shipment, which is alleged to have contributed to its unsoundness; and, who on behalf of the Government examined the flour in detail before shipment, and took the usual steps to see that sample and bulk supplies agreed?

MR. BRAND

Sir, it being necessary to send flour from this country to meet the requirements of the troops on first landing in Egypt, and until local supplies suited to the climate could be obtained, the class of flour to be sent was determined on the advice of Messrs. Bovill and Co., the War Office brokers. They considered that of the stocks then available in London for immediate shipment, American, which had been successfully used in Natal and in the West Indies, was best calculated to meet climate and service requirements with a minimum of risk. The opinion of these gentlemen, who are specialists of the highest standing, was considered conclusive, and their selection was approved by the Director of Supplies on the samples they submitted to him. Commissary General Morris, who had been appointed senior Commissariat officer of the Expeditionary Force, and who had been brought to the War Office from Ireland to advise generally on supply questions connected with the force, was temporarily absent from London when the flour was selected. The Director of Supplies is responsible for sending stores alongside the ship. The stowage on board is done under the professional supervision of the Admiralty. In reply to the hon. Member's concluding inquiry, I have to say that the Government brokers thoroughly tested the bulk supplies, and furnished certificates from the Dock Company, as to the condition in which the bags were shipped. This is the custom of the London trade. It affords sufficient protection for the vast transactions of the mercantile public; and it would have been very unwise for the War Department to set up temporarily a different system for its comparatively restricted transactions.

DR. CAMERON

Was the Director of Supplies consulted before the American flour was decided upon?

MR. BRAND

I have said that he is responsible. He was unwell at the time the arrangement was made; but his duties were most efficiently carried out by the Assistant Director of Supplies.

SIR HENRY TYLER

I should like to know if any steps have been taken to recover compensation for the bad quality of the flour?

MR. BRAND

No further steps have been taken. As I stated in reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, the War Office brokers—specialists of the highest standing—were consulted and their advice acted upon.

SIR HENRY TYLER

Have no steps been taken with a view to punishment?