HC Deb 05 February 1900 vol 78 cc573-4
SIR CAMERON GULL (Devonshire, Barnstaple)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War whether it is a fact that a large quantity of hay for the use of the Royal Dragoons was shipped on the "Manchester Port" in October last in a damp and dangerous condition, and whether such hay was previously passed by a Government inspector; and if so, whether any, and if so what, steps have been taken in the matter.

MR. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS

A considerable portion of the hay referred to was bad. The greater part of it had previously been examined in the ricks and approved. It was not, when being shipped, properly examined by the person acting as local superintendent for the supply reserve depôt. This officer has been dismissed. The contractors have been struck off the list, and the officer generally responsible for inspection has, been censured.