§ * SIR CUTHBERT QUILTER (Suffolk, Sudbury)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the military authorities have arranged to supply beer rations in place of rum to soldiers en route to or from foreign stations; whether a contract has recently been completed for a quantity of ale for the troops returning from South Africa; and, if so, whether he will state to what firm or firms the supply has been entrusted; and what precautions have been adopted to ensure that the liquor be brewed from barley-malt, and hops only.
§ THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. ARNOLD-FORSTER,) Belfast, W.A contract has been made for beer for issue to troops returning from South Africa in lieu of a ration of rum, upon a requisition received from the War Office, for 7,000 hogsheads of bitter beer of a certain strength, without any stipulation as to the ingredients. Offers were requested from ten of the principal brewers, eight tenders being received. Of the total quantity of 7,000 hogsheads, 6,200 were ordered from Ind, Coope and Company, Limited, of Burton, who stated, in explanation of their quotation, that they would supply best Burton brewed beers manufactured from the finest malt and hops free from all chemicals and deleterious ingredients. The remaining 800 hogsheads were ordered from Watney, Combe, Reid and Company, Limited. No stipulation was considered necessary in view of the standing of the firm. The breweries are to be visited by the Inspector of Victualling Stores, who will examine the beer.
§ * SIR CUTHBERT QUILTERIs it not the case that, until quite recently, tender forms for the supply of beer for the troops stipulated that it should be brewed from barley-malt and hops only?
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERI cannot answer that question without notice.