§ 83. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office the quantity and value of lamb and mutton purchased for the British Army during 12 months to the last convenient date; and how much was British, how much the produce of the British Empire, and how much was foreign produce?
§ Mr. COOPERThe contracts for ration meat to the troops at home provide for mutton to be supplied on one day a week, if the troops so desire, but no information is available to show the quantity of mutton actually demanded. All meat purchased is of Dominion origin except at certain stations where the quantities required are so small that it is impracticable to ensure that it is of Empire origin. Lamb is not included in the ration.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSCan the hon. Gentleman say why it is that Dominion meat is purchased instead of English meat?
§ Mr. COOPERBecause it is cheaper.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWill the hon. Gentleman always bear that in mind when thinking about working-class people, that they would buy British if they could afford to do it?