§ Mr. HAYDENasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether his attention has been directed to a resolution passed by the Boyle (county Roscommon) Board of Guardians requesting the Food Controller to supply the board was eight chests of tea (controlled) and about 60 lbs. of sugar weekly for the use of the inmates of the union workhouse, as the guardians have failed after issuing three successive advertisements to find a contractor for either; and whether, in view of the facts set forth that the inmates of the workhouse have been without sugar since the 30th September last, he will at once order that the necessary supplies be granted to the board?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The difficulty appears to have been caused by the guardians inviting tenders for their supplies of tea and sugar instead of applying to the firms which had supplied them with those articles in previous years. Now that the guardians have informed the Sugar Commission of the names of the contractors who supplied them with sugar in 1915 steps have been taken to secure396W delivery. As regards tea, the guardians should apply to the firms which supplied them during the twelve months ending 30th June, 1916, and should claim the percentage due to them of the supplies of tea available each month. If they experience any difficulty an endeavour will be made to help them.