HC Deb 20 May 1895 vol 33 cc1587-9
SIR A. ACLAND-HOOD (Somerset, Wellington)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the contract for supplying meat to the troops in the Home District has recently been given to a person who has been more than once fined for supplying inferior meat in another district; whether the General Officer commanding another district has objected to this person supplying the troops in the district under his command; whether the General Officer commanding the Home District has any voice in the appointment of the contractor; and whether, in other districts, the General Officer has a voice in such appointments?

*THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (Mr. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN,) Stirling Burghs

There is no contractor for the meat supply of the Home District. The supply is divided among not less than 11 contractors. Except for a few large stations, the General Officer commanding accepts such tenders as he thinks fit. In the few exceptions he submits the tenders, with his recommendation, to the War Office for decision. After full consideration a contract for supplying meat to a part of the Home District has been given to a certain contractor, to whom, it is presumed, the hon. Member's question refers, but security has been taken for the due performance of his contract.

SIR A. ACLAND-HOOD

Has that person been fined before?

*MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

I do not think he has been fined before, but one or two complaints of greater or less importance were made against him; and on the whole he has supplied other districts with perfect satisfaction on many occasions.

MR. R. W. HANBURY (Preston)

I suppose such a matter comes first of all before the Director of Contracts, and does not come before the right hon. Gentleman until there is a difficulty or difference of opinion.

*MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

It would come before the Financial Secretary to the War Office.

SIR A. ACLAND-HOOD

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the contract for the supply of meat for the troops in the Home District has recently been let by tender; and whether the lowest tender has been accepted?

*MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN

Contracts have recently been made for the meat supply of all stations in the Home district except London, which is still under consideration. In each case the lowest tender has been accepted.