§ MR. JOHN O'CONNOR (Kerry, S.)asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether it is the intention to give contracts this year for supplies of mess pork for the Navy to firms outside the three kingdoms; and, whether they will advertise for tender in the principal newspapers in England, Ireland, and Scotland, and apply for tenders to the large bacon-curers of the three countries?
§ THE FIRST Lord (Lord GEORGE HAMILTON) (Middlesex, Ealing)Until the tenders are received, it is not possible to say to whom the contracts for mess pork will be given for this year; but preference will be given to firms within the Three Kingdoms, should the tenders be at all equal. Advertisements will be inserted in the newspapers in circulation where the industry of pork curing is practised; and forms of tender will be sent to packers known to the Admiralty, as well as to any others who apply. Bacon is not used in Her Majesty's Navy.