§ MR. LEAI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether any troops have, during the last twelve months, refused to eat rations of canned meat issued to them; and, if so, will he discontinue in times of peace the issue of rations of tinned meat instead of fresh meat to soldiers, whether serving at Home or abroad.
§ MR. HALDANEThe only case of which the Army Council are aware occurred at Bulford. A sample of the meat in question is being examined by an analyst. Stocks of preserved meat are kept in store in reserve for war purposes, 1358 and these ought to be turned over to avoid loss to the public. The practice has been to make periodical issues to the troops to enable this to be done. If this can be carried out consistently with what is the foremost consideration—the health and well-being of the soldiers—the practice will be continued, but not unless investigation shows that there is no danger to be apprehended.