HC Deb 10 March 1915 vol 70 cc1406-7
94 and 96. Mr. PETO

asked the Under-Secretary of State for War (1) if he can state approximately the amount or proportion of the bacon, as apart from ham, supplied for the use of the troops which has been purchased from Great Britain, Ireland, and foreign countries, respectively; and how much of that produced in England has been supplied by English curers other than co-operative curing companies this year; and (2) whether, in view of the taxation on manufacturers in this country for War purposes at the present time, he will see that the supply of bacon for the use of troops is, as far as possible, drawn from English bacon-curing companies, and is not confined to English co-operative bacon-curing companies which, owing to being registered as friendly societies, are not required to pay Income Tax on their profits, and to merchants dealing only in Irish or foreign produce?

Mr. BAKER

Excluding comparatively small local purchases, the bacon for the troops has been obtained from the following sources, namely:—

Great Britain … 11.3 per cent.
Ireland … 45.4 per cent.
Colonies … 25.5 per cent.
Foreign countries … 17.8 per cent.
Of the English bacon bought in the present year (1915), 78 per cent. has been supplied by English curers other than co-operative factories.

Mr. PETO

I shall refer to this matter on the Motion for the Adjournment of the House.