§ CAPTAIN A. J. C. DONELAN (Cork, E.)I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that, notwithstanding the War Office rule limiting the supply of refrigerated mutton to one day in the week, the troops stationed at Carlisle Fort, County Cork, have for the past month been rationed upon this foreign food three and four days in the week; and whether an inquiry will be instituted, at which the troops will be permitted to give evidence, and to express their opinion as to the respective merits of frozen and fresh meat?
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS,) Birmingham, S.I will read a telegram from the General Officer commanding at Cork—
Since 15th February troops at Carlisle Fort were rationed on frozen mutton three days per week, because troops preferred it to beef. Practice was stopped immediately Army Service Corps officer became cognisant. Now only issued once per week.I may mention that there is no Army Service Corps officer stationed at Carlisle Fort, and the commanding officer there made his own arrangements. The Secretary of State sees no occasion for the inquiry suggested in the Question.
§ CAPTAIN DONELANIn view of the answer of the hon. Gentleman, may I ask him if he will hold an inquiry, at which the troops themselves may be permitted to express their opinions?
§ MR. SPEAKERThat is the very Question on the Paper which has been answered.
§ CAPTAIN DONELANI think the hon. Gentleman has not answered that part of the Question.
§ MR. SPEAKERYes; the hon. Gentleman said he did not think that such an inquiry was necessary.