§ 43. Mr. ARCHDALEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been directed to the food rations of the officers of the Cork Union, some of which include 10 lbs. of meat, 12 lbs. of bread, 21 lbs. of potatoes, 14 pints of milk, and seven eggs, besides tea, sugar, and butter; and if he will take steps to stop such disregard of his Order?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Duke)The Local Government Board for Ireland have issued a circular to boards of guardians stating that it is essential that the guardians should make every endeavour to comply with the requirements of the Food Controller, and that the Board were satisfied that the rations at present allowed to officers of unions admit of considerable reductions. A committee of the Cork 16 guardians recommended that the master's rations should remain unchanged, and that other officers should get a sum of 12s. 2d. per week in lieu of rations. The guardians will consider the matter on the l5th inst., when they will have under consideration a notice of motion to reduce the rations.
§ Mr. LUNDONIf the right hon. Gentleman insisted on these boards carrying out his orders would it not be a good example to the public to obey Lord Devon-port's Order?
§ Mr. DUKEI am not aware that there is any cause for that reproach upon the officers of the Local Government Board in Ireland.
Mr. SCOTTCan the hon. Gentleman say what good purpose is served by doubling the price of sugar for keeping alive these stocks. Would that not kill off the bee stocks?
Captain BATHURSTI have already replied to that, and I took the opportunity of saying that I thought it was a very good national investment.