§ MR. O'DOHERTYTo ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that condensed milk is supplied to the home forces as a substitute for new milk, and will he state in what quantities this is permitted; what quantity of new milk is allowed a soldier per day; are the contractors for new milk the direct producers 833 of same, and what is the price paid; and are the married quarters supplied by the barrack contractor, or how.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The supply of milk to soldiers' messes is made under regimental arrangements through the regimental institutes, the soldiers having a direct voice in the management of their own messes. I am not, therefore, cognisant of the details mentioned. The families of soldiers make their own arrangements for the supply of milk. No allowance of milk is made to a soldier except in certain cases for hospital use.
§ MR. O'DOHERTYTo ask the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that the tender form for the supply of new milk to the home forces is so arranged, by having other commodities bracketed with it, as to prevent the farmer or dairyman from becoming the direct contractor; and will he say what medical and sanitary supervision is exercised over the milk supplied within barracks in order to prevent typhoid or other infectious diseases from being carried in.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) In the rules for the management of regimental institutes it is recommended that milk be purchased direct from the producer, and there is nothing in the specimen form to prevent direct supply. The examination of milk and the inspection of the animals and premises from which it comes by a sanitary officer, selected by the principal medical officer, are expressly provided for in the terms of contract.