MR. PATRICK O'BRIENOn behalf of the hon. Member for the St. Patrick Division of Dublin (Mr. W. FIELD), I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War office whether the War Office has as yet concluded inquiries regarding the supply of foreign meat, hay, and oats to the troops stationed in Ireland; and (2) whether it is intended to give native supplies in future?
MR. POWELL-WILLIAMSThe officers who have the matter in hand hope to 1626 submit a Report very shortly. The Inquiry is complete as far as Ireland is concerned. The answer to the second Question must depend to a large extent on the nature of the Report made to the Secretary of State.
§ CAPTAIN DONELANCan the hon. Gentleman say whether the new meat contracts, which I understand will be in shortly, contain any new condition with reference to the supply of foreign meat to troops in Ireland?
MR. POWELL-WILLIAMSI hope the Report will be in the hands of the Secretary of State in time to enable him to receive any recommendation that may be made before the new tenders are given out.