§ CAPTAIN DONELANI beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he can state what decision has been arrived at relative to the, supply of foreign meat to the troops stationed in Ireland; and when such decision will take effect?
MR. FIELDI beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether it is the intention of the War Office to lessen the percentage of foreign meat given to the troops; and, whether it would be possible to have the troops and horses supplied by native produce?
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. J. POWELL-WILMAMS,) Birmingham, S.The matter, which proves to be more complicated and difficult than was at first supposed, is still undergoing special and careful inquiry, and no decision can yet be given. If, as the result of the Inquiry, it is found possible to make an alteration in the present system of supply both of meat and forage, the change would take effect on and from the next occasion on which tenders are sought.
§ CAPTAIN DONELANasked whether the last tenders issued contained the old conditions?
MR. POWELL-WILLIAMSsaid that if no change was made in the conditions of supply, the old conditions obtained.
MR. FIELDThe hon. Gentleman has not answered the last part of my question, viz., "whether it would be possible to have the troops and horses supplied by native produce?"