HC Deb 19 July 1915 vol 73 cc1190-1W
Mr. W. THORNE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a few years ago a well known Smith-field Army contractor, with an otherwise blameless record, was struck off the list of Army contractors in consequence of a cold storage company forwarding on his account a frozen bull forequarter of beef instead of an ox one, and has not been allowed to tender since; and whether meat-importing firms who tender damaged beef are also struck off the list of contractors when their goods are rejected as unfit for Army use?

Mr. FORSTER

I have not been able from the particulars given to identify the contractor referred to. As regards the second part of the question, the War Department selects such suitable meat as it requires from cargoes imported under arrangements made by the Board of Trade. Any meat which is not suitable is not taken, but the meat is not tendered to the Department under contract, and the question of removal from the War Office list does not arise.

Mr. THORNE

asked what is the total sum paid by the War Office to Messrs. Perfect and Company, including the salaries of Messrs. Knowles and Wells, for superintending the discharge, inspecting, storing, and forwarding Army meat from 4th August, 1914, to 30th June, 1915?

Mr. FORSTER

The total sum due to Messrs. Perfect and Company for services rendered to 31st May, 1915, including out-of-pocket expenses, is £12,400. Figures for June are not yet available.

Mr. THORNE

asked whether on numerous occasions during the last three months Army transport wagons and private contractors' vans have been loaded with meat for Army purposes at the cold stores of the Central Markets Cold Storage Company, Smithfield; whether any employé of Messrs. Perfect and Company has been present on any occasion either to inspect the meat or check the weights or whether the cold storage company have had to take the responsibility both of weighing and inspecting the meat; and, if so, whether any payment has been made to Messrs. Perfect and Company for these services?

Mr. FORSTER

I am informed that Messrs. Perfect and Company properly discharge the duties for which they are paid.