MARQUESS of TULLIBARD1NEasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office (1)whether the recent experiments in feeding troops with refrigerated rabbits have been successful and acceptable to the men; what is the difference in price between ten pounds of refrigerated beef, mutton, and rabbit, including bone; whether the rabbits are issued before skinning; if so, how is the weight ascertained; if there is any difference in price is the same credited to the men; and in what country were the rabbits killed; (2)and whether, in issuing refrigerated 1852W rabbits to the troops, due consideration was taken of the loss to the nun in soup and stock as compared with a butchermeat issue; and whether any allowance will be made to cover this loss?
§ Mr. TENNANTIn reply to this and the next question: Rabbits either refrigerated or fresh are only supplied at the option of Commanding officers, and if so desired by the men, not oftener than once a week. The issues are made in lieu of fresh beef and under regimental arrangements with the meat contractor, without extra expense to the public. No unfavourable reports on this experiment have been received, but the issue is purely optional, and may be dispensed with at any time if the men do not like it. Rabbits are sup plied to the full value of the ration meat not drawn. As regards the other points raised no statistics are available at the War Office.