MR. PARKER SMITH (Lanarkshire, Partick)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that a number of men of the York and Lancaster Regiment in Fermoy Barracks were poisoned on Saturday last by eating tinned meat; can he state whether any deaths have occurred; from what source the meat was obtained, and whether a full inquiry will be made into the circumstances.
LORD STANLEYSome men of the York and Lancaster Regiment were poisoned by partaking of a tin of beef. This tin was purchased by the men from the canteen, and was not part of, the Government ration. The men are all practically well now. The commanding officer has full discretion in regard to canteen supplies, and no inquiry is necessary.
§ MR. WILLIAM REDMONDWill an inquiry be made as to where the canteen authorities purchased this meat?
LORD STANLEYIf the general officer commanding thinks it necessary to make further inquiry, it lies in his power to do so.
§ MR. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick)Will a prosecution be ordered against those who have thus endeavoured to poison His Majesty's troops?
§ [No answer was returned.]