§ MR. PIRIEI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War, whether the contract for the supply of meat to the troops in South Africa has been made with Messrs. Moritz Bergl and Company of Smithfield, and is that firm solely entitled to its benefits, and solely liable for carrying out its provisions; or can he state whether the performance of the contract has been guaranteed by the 172 right hon. C. J. Rhodes and Dr. Jameson; and, if so, to what extent have these latter an interest in it, and does the contract contain any restriction as to sub-letting.
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Lord STANLEY,) Lancashire, WesthoughtonSeveral tenders were received for this contract, of which the lowest was Messrs. M. Bergl and Company's. The tender being for so large a sum, the firm mentioned in the tender that they contemplated transferring it to a Company, and mentioned substantial names as being associated with them. The War Office being satisfied of the stability of those who participated in the tender, accepted it. I have no knowledge of the guarantee referred to, though I understand that a number of prominent firms in South Africa are interested in the undertaking, which involves a capital of £500,000.
§ MR. PIRIEMay I ask if it is the case that this contract was treated in the same way as the horse contract which was brought up before the House on Friday night, and whether it is the case that it was re-sold to a syndicate consisting of Messrs. Wernher Beit, Lewis, and Marks?
§ LORD STANLEYNo, Sir; to the best of my knowledge that is not the case.
§ [No answer was given.]