HC Deb 23 March 1900 vol 81 c175
MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for War if, on the 1st of the present month, a contract was given for the sole supply of ale, stout, porter, and whisky for the Army in Ireland to an English firm, and why these things are not purchased from Irish firms.

*MR. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS

Nothing is known at the War Office of the matter to which the hon. Member refers, which is evidently a contract with a canteen.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

Will the hon. Gentleman be good enough to make inquiries?

*MR. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS

It is so clear that this is a canteen matter that no inquiry is needed. The managers of canteens conduct their own business, and the Secretary of State does not propose to interfere.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

Cannot the Department see its way to recommend to the military authorities the advisability of placing the contracts with Irish firms?

*MR. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS

The Secretary of State thinks it advisable to leave the management of the canteens to those who benefit by it.