GENERAL RUSSELLI beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the oats supplied for the use of the troops during the last autumn manœuvres, and which are stated in the report of the Commander-in-Chief to have been often inferior and generally to have required screening, were, as a rule, foreign or home-grown; and if he will state the respective proportions of each description of supply, as well as the contract price paid by Government?
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. J. POWELL WILLIAMS,) Birmingham, S.It is impossible to say whether the oats were foreign or home-grown, and there is nothing laid down in the contract as to sources of supply. Oats are accepted by a standard of quality. The prices paid are not made public.
§ CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)Has fault ever been found with Irish oats?
§ MR. POWELL WILLIAMSI should think it very likely.