§ MR. HANBURY (Preston)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the medical officers of the Army are practically instructed in the examination of ration meat on entering the Service; whether medical officers are always or usually placed on Boards which Report on the quality of the meat rations in the Array at Home and in India; whether the meat supplied to military hospitals, although dearer in price, is often inferior to the barrack ration meat; and whether medical officers are prevented from at- 1378 tending the meat inspection classes at Edinburgh to which the other officers of the Army are sent?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANThere is a published guide containing much valuable information for officers who have to examine meat issued to the troops; but practical instruction on the subject is only given to the officers of the Army Service Corps. Medical officers do not sit on Boards for meat inspection; but they attend and give their opinion when required. The meat supplied to military hospitals is not inferior to barrack rations. On the contrary, I am informed that hospital rations are excellent in quality. The meat inspection classes at Edinburgh and elsewhere are only for Army Service Corps officers.