§ 16. Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEasked the Secretary of State for War if, in placing contracts for the supply of biscuits, he will insert a Clause that will ensure a proportion of British-grown wheat, barley, or oats being employed?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Captain Douglas King)Wheat is the only grain used in the manufacture of biscuits issued to the Army. I am informed that a proportion of British-grown wheat is in fact used in the manufacture of biscuits, and the specification lays down no limit to the proportion which may be used, provided that the biscuit meets War Department requirements. It is not considered desirable, however, to stipulate for a definite proportion of British-grown wheat, as the quantity which can be used in producing a satisfactory biscuit must necessarily vary according to the time of the year and quality of the wheat.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEHas my hon. and gallant Friend's attention been called to the "Buy British Goods" campaign?
§ Captain KINGThe reply to my hon. and gallant Friend's question is that the War Department has a good record in that respect.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEWill my hon. and gallant Friend see, in placing contracts for the canteens, that if oats or barley are employed they will be British oats and barley?
§ Captain KINGWe do not buy the supplies for the Navy, Army and Air Force canteens.
§ 18. Mr. RAMSDENasked the Secretary of State for War whether Australian ham and bacon has been used for Army purposes; and whether it has been found satisfactory in every respect?
§ Captain KINGSalt packed bacon of Australian origin has been purchased by the War Department and found very satisfactory. Ham is not a normal peace-time Army supply.