§ MR. W. LOGAN (Leicester, Harboro)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War, what quantity of meat was supplied to troops stationed within the United Kingdom, and the average price paid for it, during the financial year ending with March, 1897; and what proportion of each description of forage supplied to the Army in that year was of Foreign origin?
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS,) Birmingham, SouthAbout 29,000,000 pounds of meat were supplied in 1896–7 to the troops in the United Kingdom, at an average price slightly under fivepence per pound. As I have repeatedly stated to the House, the place of origin of forage is not known. If the forage comes up to the required standard of quality it is accepted; but local purchases are encouraged, and it is believed that they result in the supplies being largely of home growth.
MR. POWELL-WILLIAMSYes, it would be quite possible to specify it, but it would also be impossible to see that the specification was complied with.
§ CAPTAIN DONELANIs the hon. Gentleman aware that no costermonger in Ireland will feed his donkey with Foreign forage?
§ [No Reply was given.]