HC Deb 08 March 1915 vol 70 cc1126-8
32. Mr. WILLIAM THORNE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that the Admiralty have a meat contract with Messrs. Lyons and Company, Limited, to supply meat to the Navy men who are stationed at the Crystal Palace; if he is aware that the War Office have cancelled their meat contract with the above firm who were supplying meat to the Territorials stationed at the White City in consequence of the firm supplying the troops with putrid meat; and if he intends taking any action in the matter?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Dr. Macnamara)

The first part of the question was dealt with in the reply given to my hon. Friend's previous question on the 1st March. As regards the second part of the question, it is understood that the contract held by Messrs. Lyons for catering for the troops at the White City was with the Territorial Association, and that it was not cancelled, but expired by effluxion of time on the 1st December. The condemnation of a certain quantity of meat referred to in the question took place some time before that date. It is understood that at the request of the military authorities, who took over the victualling of those troops on the 1st January, Messrs. Lyons continued the catering for a short time longer. All food supplied at the Crystal Palace is carefully inspected, and, as already stated, the catering there has been carried out quite satisfactorily. Consideration is now being given, however, to the question whether the result of the recent proceedings against Messrs. Lyons in respect of the White City contract renders any action necessary in regard to their Crystal Palace contract.

60. Mr. W. THORNE

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Messrs. Lyons and Company are contractors to supply meat to the troops in camp at Trensham; and, if so, whether the War Office will consider the advisability of striking them off the meat contract list in consequence of their being deprived of the meat contract for the Territorials at the White City through supplying them with putrid meat?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Harold Baker)

Messrs. Lyons held the contract for cater- ing (including the supply of meat) at Trensham camp until the 17th November last. Since that date there have been no troops encamped there. It is a matter for serious consideration whether any further contracts should be placed with this firm.