§ MR. HANBURY (Preston)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether Captain Stackpool paid an unexpected visit to Lincoln Barracks on 17th July, and when the contractor brought the meat into barracks examined and condemned it; what was the name of the contractor and the price per pound of the meat; what penalty is inflicted on the contractor in such cases; and whether, a contractor having undertaken to supply good meat at a certain price, the authorities have the power, and exercise it, to purchase meat of the proper quality and charge him with the difference?
§ * THE SECRETAEY OF STATE FOR WAR (MR. E. STANHOPE, Lincolnshire, Horncastle)On the occasion referred to the meat was condemned as bull beef. The contractor was Mr. J. Gillett. It is not customary to state publicly the contract prices; but the price under this contract was about the average.
§ MR. HANBURYWhat is the average?
§ MR. E. STANHOPEThat is just what it is not customary to state publicly. In this case the contractor is liable for the inspector's travelling expenses and also for any loss incurred in replacing the rejected meat. The authorities do possess and exercise the power referred to in the last clause of the question.