§ MR. FIELDTo ask the Secretary of State for War whether the meat contract for the supply to the troops quartered at London, Woolwich, and Windsor, has been placed with Nelson, Morris, and Company; will he say whether this American firm is amongst those whose manufactured imports to this country have been subjected to serious allegations of condemnation; whether this contract has been secured at the lowest price; whether he can arrange that the Army Council will take precautions to insure that the best quality of fresh meat will be supplied; and whether he can state why preference was given to foreign importers to the exclusion and prejudice of native agriculturists.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The meat contract for these stations has 353 been placed with the Morris Beef Company, of the Central Meat Market, London. I have no information as to whether the American branch of this firm is associated with other Chicago firms in the present controversy. The lowest price secured this contract. Inspection is provided for in the contract so as to secure quality. No preference was given to foreign importers, the contract being placed on price.