HC Deb 11 July 1899 vol 74 cc468-9
MR. PERKS (Lincolnshire, Louth)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the straw now being supplied for the use of the Army at Woolwich and Aldershot is foreign straw grown in France; whether it is the custom in contracts for public works to specify that British material should be used; and whether there is any sufficient reason why such a course should not be pursued when tenders are invited for straw for the British Army.

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

I am not aware that French straw is supplied at Woolwich and Aldershot. The military authorities only take cognisance of the quality of the straw, and not of its place of origin.

MR. PERKS

Do they not take cognisance of the price also?

MR. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS

Certainly. But the hon. Member's question only raises the subject of origin, not of price.

CAPTAIN DONELAN

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that sufficient straw is grown in Ireland to litter all the horses of the British Army?

(No answer was given.)