MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the official statement that there is no dietetic difference between fresh and chilled meat, and that the object of purchasing chilled meat is alleged to be not one of economy, but merely one of epicurean taste, which is to the advantage of fresh meat, could it be arranged for the soldier to be supplied with more fresh and less chilled meat in future; and, if not, why?
§ Colonel SEELYWhen on a previous occasion I explained to the Noble Marquess that economy was not the only object, I clearly did not mean that questions of economy were entirely excluded from consideration. There is no intention of changing the present arrangements.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEOn the score of the economy, if the meat coming from abroad is equally good, would not it be better to get it all from abroad?
§ Colonel SEELYI have answered that question.
§ Mr. KILBRIDEIs the question of whether the meat shall be frozen or fresh meat left in the hands of the commanding officers of the different stations or to the War Office?
§ Colonel SEELYThat, of course, is another technical question not directly arising out of this. If the hon. Gentleman asks me the question I will give him a full reply.