HC Deb 30 May 1907 vol 175 cc64-5
MR. COURTHOPE

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War what instructions, if any, have recently been issued by the War Office as to the supply of American corned beef or other tinned, meats to the British Army.

I beg also to ask the Secretary of State for War whether a Report has been sent from the War Office to officers commanding depots, stations, or establishments, stating that the American tinned meats supplied to the Army are prepared from carefully selected cattle in a thoroughly satisfactory manner and under good sanitary conditions, or in any other way guaranteeing the quality of American tinned meats.

MR. HALDANE

No particular instructions have recently been issued with regard to the supply of American canned meats. But, as regards such meat now being issued to the troops, the general officer commanding-in-chief, Aldershot, was informed that the establishments in which this meat was prepared had been carefully inspected by officers specially sent to America for the purpose, and that the Army Council, in view of the reports of these officers, were of opinion that the quality and preparation of this food were in every way satisfactory.

MR. MYER (Lambeth, N.)

asked whether, in consequence of the frequent cases of ptomaine poisoning from eating tinned meat, the right hon. Gentleman would give instructions that fresh meat should be obtained wherever practicable.

MR. HALDANE

We do give fresh meat in the majority of cases, but in war time tinned meat has to be supplied, and consequently we are making careful arrangements.

MR. COURTHOPE

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of avoiding the expense of sending out British officers to make inspections in America by providing the British Army with British meat?

MR. HALDANE

said a great deal of British meat was used, and it had every chance; but they were not able to give it on all occasions.

MR. WILLIAM REDMOND (Clare, E.)

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that during the late war in South Africa large quantities of British tinned meat, to the extent of £80,000 or £100,000, had to be destroyed, because it was proved to be rotten?

[No Answer was returned.]

CAPTAIN CRAIG (Down, E.)

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware there is an adequate supply of fresh meat in the North of Ireland?

[No Answer was returned.]