HC Deb 28 February 1911 vol 22 cc192-3
Mr. KILBRIDE

asked the Secretary of State for War if he could say whether the War Office has given the contract at the Curragh for the three days' supply of frozen meat to the Swift Meat Company; was he aware that this company is an American trust company; that their turnover last year was £52,000,000; and that their annual profit was £1,500,000; was he aware that the United States Government are at present engaged fighting the Beef Trust as an unfair and illegal combination; and, seeing that experts hold that the nutritive qualities of frozen meat are inferior to that of fresh meat, and under all the circumstances of the case, whether the War Office can see its way to have the terms of the contract specification revised?

Mr. HALDANE

The current contract for the supply of frozen beef and mutton to the Curragh camp is held by the Swift Meat Company. The course of the indict- ment brought against this and other companies by the United States Government is being watched, and will be one of the points for consideration in the adjudication on tenders for the next contract. It is not considered necessary to disturb the present contract which expires on the 31st May.

Mr. JOHN O'CONNOR

Arising out of that answer, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that this Beef Trust is now endeavouring to introduce its methods and practices into the Commonwealth of Australia, and that the Government of the Commonwealth are taking steps to resist its operations? I, furthermore, desire to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he thinks it a proper thing on the part of a Free Trade Government to encourage the operations of a trust company whose profits are founded on protective tariffs?

Mr. HALDANE

I do not think protective tariffs have much to do with this. It is the business of a Free Trade Government to get the best article at the most moderate figure.

Mr. KILBRIDE

Are we to understand from that reply that in future frozen meat will not be supplied three days a week, and that he will increase the days on which fresh meat is supplied? And will the right hon. Gentleman reply to that part of the question which asks whether in the opinion of the War Office fresh meat is not more nutritive than frozen meat?

Mr. HALDANE

I do not think there was anything in my reply from which the hon. Member could infer any new arrangement as to frozen meat, nor anything from which he could infer that frozen meat is less nutritive than fresh meat.

Mr. REMNANT

May I ask whether this contract was thrown open to British firms, and, if so, what was the difference in price?

Mr. HALDANE

According to our practice, we throw open contracts to everybody; and, if the hon. Gentleman will put down a question, I will see if I can get him the difference in price. We give no contract outside this country except for very good reasons.