§ 60. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the chief meat buyer for J. Lyons and Company, Limited, contractors for meat to the War Office, a person by the name of Gottlieb Link, has been prosecuted and fined several times for having bad meat on his premises, 91, Cowcross Street, London, and on 13th April, 1897, was sent to prison for four months with hard labour; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?
Mr. BAKERAs Messrs. Lyons hold no contract with the War Office for the supply of meat, I hope that my hon. Friend will excuse me from making the inquiry which he suggests.
§ 77. Mr. W. THORNEasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether the contracts given to Messrs. J. Lyons and Company, Limited, for meat, bread, and other food-stuffs was given without competition with other firms?
Mr. BAKERThe contracts with the War Office for the supply of bread to the troops were placed after competition. Messrs. Lyons were already established as caterers to the White City when it was occupied by the London County Association, and I understand that the Association had no power to invite competition from other firms.
§ Mr. W. THORNEHave not some of these firms too many men for whom they have to cater; and would it not be better to give some of the small firms a chance of catering?
Mr. BAKERIt was the London County Association who made the particular contract to which the hon. Member refers.
Mr. BAKERI understand that this contract was made by the London County Association, and that they were compelled to take the caterer who was already established under another contract.
Sir H. DALZIELIs it not the case that the War Office was consulted and had to give their approval of it?
Mr. BAKERNo. The contract was made by the London Territorial Force Association. They have the power to make contracts.