§ 37. Mr. FELLasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that there is no agent of the contractor to supply meat for the Navy at Great Yarmouth at the present time; that no agent was ever properly appointed there in writing; that the agent who was appointed was appointed verbally and threw up the agency four months ago, and since that time there has been a complete breach of contract; and if, under the circumstances, it will be forthwith cancelled and a new contractor appointed?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am aware that the agents appointed by the contractor in October last have recently stated that they are not the agents, and that this repudiation of the agency by them led in a recent case to one of His Majesty's ships not being supplied with its requirements. This occurrence has necessitated immediate steps to prevent a repetition of the incident, and a full investigation of the whole of the circumstances, including the question whether the appointment of the agents was in writing or verbal. As soon as the facts have been fully ascertained the contractor will be dealt with in such manner as the circumstances may justify.
§ Mr. FELLHas any temporary arrangement been made to supply them with meat pending those inquiries?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWe shall take care that there is no further miscarriage, and meantime we are looking into this case very closely.