HC Deb 14 August 1911 vol 29 cc1568-9
Sir JOHN SPEAR

asked the Under-Secretary for War whether 3,500 Territorials in camp at Minehead are supplied with frozen meat only, and, if so, will he explain why men who are giving much time in the service of the country should be fed with this kind of meat; and is he aware that a number of these men are farmers' sons and agricultural labourers whose circumstances are depressed by the low price of British mutton, and who claim that when serving their country they are entitled to be supplied with home-fed meat?

Colonel SEELY

It appears on inquiry that the units applied for frozen meat only, and in accordance with the terms of the specification of contract, which permits such issues if the units so demand, they were supplied with frozen meat only.

Sir J. SPEAR

Seeing that there is a large number of agriculturists serving in the Territorials, does not the right hon. Gentleman consider it unjust, and an outrage on sentiment that these men who are serving their country at great personal loss should be fed with foreign meat?

Colonel SEELY

I am informed fey the general officer commanding that these units applied for frozen meat themselves. I suppose that anything frozen seemed attractive in this hot weather.

Mr. CRUMLEY

Have the wives of the men serving in the Territorial regiments applied for frozen meat?

Colonel SEELY

We do not feed their wives. We do not feed anybody except the soldiers. In this case they applied for frozen meat. For what reason I do not know.

Mr. KILBRIDE

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that in all future contracts for meat supplies for the Army at least three days' supply will be home-killed and home fed?

Colonel SEELY

That does not arise out of this particular question. I was asked whether frozen meat was supplied to these men, and I answered that it was because they asked for it.

Mr. KILBRIDE

Were the terms of the contract under which this frozen meat was supplied the same as those of the contracts under which the large camps both in this country and Ireland are supplied, which prescribe three days' fresh meat?

Colonel SEELY

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will put down a question. I think he will find that the answer which I have given is a correct statement of the position.

MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINE

Will the right hon. Gentleman give the names of the officers who asked for fresh meat?

Colonel SEELY

I shall be most happy to tell the Noble Lord the names of the officers. I had the information which I have given the House direct from the general officer commanding.