§ MR. CONYBEARE (Cornwall, Camborne)asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, Whether, in March last, tenders were invited for the supply of pork to the training ships lying off Devonport; whether the advertisements for such tenders stated that nothing but home fed and home cured pork would be accepted; whether, in spite of such condition, the contractor has not supplied home cured, but very inferior foreign, pork; and, whether the ships supplied with the same have been unable to use large quantities of it owing to its inferior quality?
§ LORD CHARLES BERESFORD (A LORD of the ADMIRALTY)(who replied) (Marylebone, E.)said: An advertisement was issued on February 11, 1887, for tenders for the supply of corned pork to Her Majesty's training ships at Devonport. The advertisement did not state that nothing but home-fed and home-cured pork would be accepted, as it is not usual for advertisements, which must always necessarily be brief, to contain all the conditions of the contracts. The advertisement, however, refers to the form of tender which, states that American or other imported pork is not to be supplied. Inquiry has been made of the Commander-in-Chief at Devonport as to the quality of the pork. He reports that it has been excellent, and that none has been condemned as unfit for use. To prevent the delivery of American or other imported pork, the contract provides that the slaughterhouse shall be open at all times to the inspection of the receiving officers. There has not been time yet to ascertain whether this inspection has taken place; but further inquiry will be made, and I will let the hon. Gentleman know the result of this inquiry.