MR. FIELDI beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether arrangements can be made to supply the horses and troops stationed in Ireland 358 with home-grown forage and native meat, and whether he can state what advantage is gained by the supplies of foreign meat and produce?
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS,) Birmingham, S.As I have already explained, price is a very important element. Changes have been made in the form of contract for forage which will facilitate the supply of hay and grain grown in Ireland. I am not aware that anything more can be done.
MR. FIELDMight I ask the hon. Gentleman upon that whether he is aware that the contract made for the home food of the troops stationed at Cork Harbour was rejected, and a contract for the supply of foreign meat was granted for the difference of something like a farthing in the pound.
MR. J. POWELL-WILLIAMSThat rather comes within the scope of the question on the paper. But, of course, the lowest contract would be accepted; but I think the hon. Member goes beyond the point when he says it was entirely foreign meat.
MR. FIELDMight I ask the hon. Gentleman whether the people of Ireland and of this country are not to have a preference over foreigners.
§ No answer.