§ 29. Colonel WOODCOCKasked the Secretary of State for War the different quantities of meat issued as rations to the Army for the years 1913, 1923 and 1924, giving the amounts of foreign, 225 Colonial and British, respectively; and when the next tenders are called for in what proportions does he intend to make the purchases of Army meat?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Captain Douglas King)The approximate quantities of fresh and frozen meat issued to the Regular Army at, home during the three years referred to were, respectively, 14,800, 10,600 and 12,500 tons. Complete information as to the sources of supply is not available, but immediately before the War fresh meat was issued on three days a week, while since the War supplies have been practically all frozen, mainly, and latterly exclusively, of Dominion origin. As regards the last part of the question, it is not possible to state anything definite pending the receipt of tenders.
§ Colonel WOODCOCKDoes not my hon. and gallant Friend consider the great assistance he may give to the British farmer by accepting tenders for more British meat than at present, and will he not endeavour to purchase more Colonial meat instead of foreign in future?
§ Captain KINGI have already stated that latterly it has been exclusively of Dominion origin. Tenders for fresh meat are received each year, and considered.