§ MR. LOWLES (Shoreditch, Haggerston)I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that Queensland and other of the Australian colonies are prepared to supply in large quantities tinned meats and other stores; and whether preference will be given to colonial over foreign products for the use of British troops in South Africa.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. J. POWELL WILLIAMS,) Birmingham, S.By far the largest orders for supplies of meat and forage have been placed with the Australian colonies; but where supplies are needed within a limited time, we must avail ourselves of any market which will best meet our requirements.