§ 50. Mr. Evelyn Walkdenasked the Minister of Supply what contracts to buy Army horses that are aged or unfit for further service and condemned by the veterinary officer has been granted to Mr. Christopher, of Lincoln; when was it negotiated; were tenders invited by public advertisement; and how the present contract price now compares with the control prices, wholesale, for horseflesh fixed by the Minister of Food?
§ Sir A. DuncanA contract with Mr. Christopher, covering cast animals from No. 1 Reserve Veterinary Hospital, Doncaster, was placed by the Ministry of Supply, as agent for the War Office, on 25th April, 1941, as a result of competitive tenders invited from licensed slaughterers. The contract was reviewed and renewed on 1st November, 1941, and 1st February, 1942. The contract price for live animals is in line with the wholesale controlled prices.
§ Mr. WalkdenWere other horseflesh dealers not given an opportunity of competing or tendering in February, 1942, along with Mr. Christopher?
§ Sir A. DuncanNo, Sir, I think not.
§ Mr. WalkdenIs it not reasonable to suggest that everybody in the trade should have an opportunity of tendering for what is a very profitable business to-day?
§ Sir A. DuncanI should be glad to look into the matter, but transport and local conditions must be borne in mind in regard to this matter.
§ Mr. WalkdenSmall traders in the area cannot even buy a horse, or horseflesh.
§ Mr. LiddallIs the Minister aware that Mr. Christopher, of Lincoln, carries out his trading operations in a highly satisfactory way?