§ MR. SPEAR (Devonshire, Tavistock)I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he is aware that a quantity of foreign beef is being supplied the troops,, whereas the contract is for beef from native cattle; and if he will take steps to prevent this in the future.
§ MR. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick)I beg also to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that in some cases contractors are supplying foreign beef obtained in Deptford, Birkenhead, and elsewhere as native home-fed meat; whether he will inquire into the matter and enforce the terms of contract.
LORD STANLEYI am not aware that any foreign beef is being supplied to 275 the troops contrary to the terms of existing contracts. General officers commanding districts are well aware of the conditions of supply, and may be trusted to enforce compliance with the terms.
§ MR. FIELDWill the noble Lord make inquiry into facts which I have had laid before him as to the supply of foreign instead of native meat?
LORD STANLEYIt is a very large question, but if the hon. Member will bring any specific cases under the notice of the general officer commanding I am sure they will be fully inquired into.