§ CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office with reference to the contracts for supplies of groceries, provisions, &c., to the Cork Military District, recently given to the Canteen and Mess Co-operative Society, Limited, whether he is aware that since the commencement of the contract on 1st May, 1899, many complaints have been received at the Cork Head. quarters Office, both as to the quality of 1483 the goods supplied and as to irregular delivery, and that in some instances the canteens have been compelled to fall back on the local firms for supplies; whether he is aware that the contract was given to this society although local firms which have long supplied the district satisfactorily quoted lower prices for articles most largely used or consumed; and whether, in view of these facts, steps will be taken to terminate the contract and afford an opportunity to local tradesmen.
*MR. J. POWELL-WILLIAMSA few complaints as to quality of goods and irregularity of delivery were at first received, but the contract is now working smoothly, and those concerned are well satisfied with it. It is not proposed to interfere in this matter with the responsibility of the General Officer commanding at Cork. Of the four successful contractors three were local firms.
§ CAPTAIN DONELANIs the hon. Gentleman aware that when this question was previously raised in this House, the late Under Secretary for War stated that any change which might be made would be in the direction of enabling canteen committees to manage their own affairs in this matter?
*MR. J. POWELL-WILLIAMSIf the hon. Member wants further information I shall he happy to get it for him. He can hardly hold me responsible for any statement made by the late Under Secretary for War.
§ CAPTAIN DONELANHas this new system been adopted at any military station in England?