§ MR. HUNT (Shropshire, Ludlow)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if the War Office has given a contract to America to supply the British Army with about 10,000,000 lbs. of corned beef; and, if so, whether, after the recent disclosures of American meat packing methods, he will say what steps have been taken to avoid risk to the health of British soldiers by supplying them with food from this source.
§ MR. BUCHANANNo contract has been placed for the quantity referred to. The balance of preserved meat due under a contract made in the early part of this year, namely, about 1,000,000 lbs., has yet to be delivered from America. An officer has been sent to America to watch the process of manufacture. Owing to the stringent regulations issued by the American Government which came into force on 1st October last, it is not anticipated that there will be the slightest risk to the health of soldiers by supplies of food from this source.