HC Deb 16 June 1898 vol 59 c404
CAPTAIN SINCLAIR (Forfar)

I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the contract for the supply of meat to the troops at Barry camp, in Forfarshire, has been given to a firm which has upheld, and continues to uphold, the butchers' boycott?

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. J. POWELL WILLIAMS,) Birmingham, W.

I am not sure that I am fully informed as to what, the "butchers' boycott" is, but subject to that the answer to the honourable and gallant Member is in the affirmative.

MR. CALDWELL (Lanark, Mid)

Will the honourable Gentleman make inquiry and satisfy himself what it is?

MR. POWELL WILLIAMS

I am told it has something to do with a co-operative society.

MR. CALDWELL

But will the honourable Gentleman inquire further and satisfy himself?

MR. POWELL WILLIAMS

I do not think it necessary to make further inquiry.

CAPTAIN SINCLAIR

The "boycott"' movement has already been brought under the notice of the Board of Agriculture.