§ Mr. LUNDONasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office by what means the military in Ireland are supplied with butter; if by contract, how is the latter carried out, yearly or half-yearly; are tenders invited; and, if so, are any advertisements issued; who have been the suppliers during the years 1910, 1911, and 1912; and what average price per hundredweight has been paid?
§ Mr. HAROLD BAKERButter is not a Government supply except in the case of hospitals and detention barracks. For these services Government contracts are 2685W made yearly, tenders being invited by advertisements in the public Press. As separate contracts are made for the various hospitals and detention barracks the list of contractors for three years or even one year is too lengthy to detail on the present accosion; but if the hon. Gentleman desires to call attention to any point and will supply me with particulars inquiry shall be made. I am afraid that information as to prices must in the public interest be treated as confidential and cannot therefore be disclosed. Butter for the troops is supplied to canteens by canteen contractors, and all contracts are made by commanding officers with such contractors.