MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEasked what is the contract weight, pounds per bushel, of oats for the British Army; and what country is the principal source of supply.
§ Colonel SEELYThe contract weight of oats at home stations is 38 lbs. per bushel, except in Ireland and Salisbury Plain, where it is 40 lbs. per bushel. Provided that the oats fulfil the contract conditions, there is no stipulation as regards the source of supply; quality and price being the only governing factors. There is no information as to the country from which supplies are principally drawn.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEAs the official statistics of British oats give an average of 40 lbs. per bushel, could not the contracts be so altered as to include British farmers' produce?
§ Colonel SEELYBritish farmers' produce is included. There is no differentiation against British farmers' produce.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Board of Agriculture informed me the other day that the average weight is 40 lbs. in this country?
§ Colonel SEELYThat does not affect the reply which I have given to the Noble Lord, as he will see if he carefully considers it.
§ Mr. FLAVINDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that any oats weighing only 38 lbs. per bushel are a good article?