§ Mr. COWANTo ask the Secretary of State for War whether, considering the effect upon many traders of the present system of contracting for Army food supplies without public advertisement in the usual trade and other papers, he will take steps to ensure that in future such contracts shall be fully advertised, and that each separate trade shall be permitted to tender for such goods as its members are able to supply.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Haldane.) The periodical contracts for Army rations and supplies are advertised in trade and other papers. If, however, the Question refers to canteen contracts, it must be pointed out that these are under regimental control, and the Army Council does not propose to interfere with the arrangements made by the regiments.