§ MR. BILLI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the terms for contracts for the delivery of frozen mutton to the troops in South Africa during this year only reached Australia and New Zealand at the end of January, while tenders had to be sent in on 3rd February; and whether the War Office will take care that in this and future years timely notice of the conditions of contract will be sent to those Colonies.
§ MR. BRODRICKThe delay in issuing the notices referred to was due to local circumstances. Steps will be taken in future by which, it is to be hoped, tenders can be called for three months in advance. It must be pointed out that in the case in 949 question British as well as Australian competitors were affected, and the pressure is regretted in the interests of both classes of contractors.