§ 70. Mr. HURDasked the Secretary of State for War if, in view of the large Army purchases of American bacon while the British bacon industry is depressed for want of steady orders, he will state what is the average difference in price between American and British tenders for bacon; and if efforts have been made to encourage tenders for British bacon which the Army Council could accept?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThe ration bacon supplied to the troops at home (which is purchased by the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes) is of Canadian origin. That shipped to certain overseas stations is American, although Australian has been purchased when available, and a trial of Canadian (the suitability of which for this purpose is not yet established) is in progress. The extra cost of English over American bacon is at present about 40 per cent. A trial of English bacon for shipment 1460 abroad has been made, and, in view of the promising reports received, it was decided to make a further extended trial if the bacon were obtainable at an acceptable price. The present extra cost is, however, prohibitive.
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSYes, Sir.
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI am not sure as to the details of the trial, but I will let my hon. Friend know.
Commander WILLIAMSWhen my right hon. Friend is considering the cost of bacon, will he always take into account the very much higher quality of British bacon?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSOh, yes; I am aware that the quality is higher, and that is taken into account.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODAre we to take it that there is no truth in the statement, frequently made in this House, that a great deal of the baron supplied to the British Army comes from China?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSThere is no truth in that.