HC Deb 13 February 1914 vol 58 cc464-6W
Mr. HUNT

asked the Secretary of State for War whether any of the meat supplied by Messrs. Thomas Borthwick and Sons to the War Office was rejected by the military authorities as unfit for human food; and, if so, how much, and on what dates?

Colonel SEELY

On 4th October 744 lbs. and on 30th November 306 lbs. of meat, which had been accepted from Messrs. Borthwick under their then existing contract by Army inspecting officers, was rejected on arrival at its destination as unfit for issue. After investigation it was decided that the condition of the meat was due to delay in transit. There were no other rejections.

Mr. HUNT

asked the Secretary of State for War, whether, in the month of August last, there was an alteration made in the specification for the supply of meat to the British Army consisting of the insertion that in the case of Australian fore-quarters from which the flanks and briskets had been removed the minimum weight shall be 110 lbs.; and, if so, with what object this alteration was made and by whose advice?

Mr. H. BAKER

In the course of 1913 it was found that the restrictions in regard to the removal of flanks and briskets from fore-quarters involved a larger reduction in the weight of the fore-quarter than was originally expected, and it was accordingly decided after taking expert advice to reduce the specified minimum weight in such cases from 130 to 110 lbs. The alteration came into partial operation on 1st June last, and into general operation on 1st October last.

Mr. HUNT

asked the Secretary of State for War what were the dates, terms, and duration of the contract entered into by the War Office with Messrs. Thomas Borthwick and Sons for the supply to the Army of Australian frozen beef, under the terms of the amended specification; were Messrs. Borthwick and Sons invited to tender for the said contract; and, if so, will he give the date upon which their tender was invited and received?

Mr. H. BAKER

The contract with Messrs. T. Borthwick and Sons, Limited, was dated 30th July, 1913; the terms are shown in the printed conditions of tender,, a copy of which I will send to the hon. Gentleman. The duration of the contract was from 1st October, 1913, to 31st December, 1913. Tender forms were issued to a, large number of importers, including Messrs. Borthwick, on the 9th July, and tenders were received on the prescribed forms on 23rd July, the appointed day for their return.