§ 51. Mr. DAYasked the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been called to the statements made at the Aldershot Police Court, on Saturday, 5th May, to the effect that it was a common practice in Army cook-houses whenever they have a surplus stock to throw it away, and that whole cartloads of loaves of bread, meat, and other articles find their way into waste sacks; and will he consider the appointment of a committee to inquire into these allegations?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Duff Cooper)My attention has been called to these statements, and I have received a report on the matter which shows they were misleading. The reference to cartloads of bread was, I understand, an attempt to estimate the total amount of bread thrown in the swill over a period of 11 years and was not intended to indicate the amount habitually included in the periodical collection. Every precaution is taken to prevent waste and, in fact, I am informed that the contractor complains of the comparatively small quantities of swill and by-products which he receives.
§ Mr. DAYCan the hon. Member say whether the statement that cooking utensils are thrown away is correct?
§ Mr. COOPERI believe it is the case that on one occasion two buckets were found in the swill and were returned.