HC Deb 18 February 1901 vol 89 cc297-8
MR. PATRICK WHITE (Meath, N.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War why the contract for the supply of beer, porter, and stout to the regiments stationed at the Curragh, county Kildare, was not given to an Irish firm; and whether the Government has agreed to pay an English firm a price higher than that quoted by Irish breweries.

* LORD STANLEY

Discretion as to making contracts for the supply of malt liquor to the troops is vested in the General Officers Commanding Districts, who may either make a district contract or allow commanding officers of units to make their own. There is no regulation under which canteen contracts are bound to be placed locally, and it is a fact that a considerable amount of Irish stout is sold in canteens in England. It is not proposed to question the manner in which the General Officer Commanding has used his discretion.

MR. PATRICK WHITE

Will the noble Lord answer the latter portion of the question?

* LORD STANLEY

I think I have. We do not propose to question the discretion of the commanding officer.

MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN

Does the Irish beer supplied to soldiers contain no poison, and is that the reason you send for English beer?

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!