asked the Minister for Defence if he will state if, in the placing of contracts for supplies to the Army, he was assisted by committees or boards which included persons other than members of the Army or of the Civil Service; and if so, if he will state the names of such other persons and the committee or board on which each such person served.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Contracts.
Supply arrangements have been made with or in consultation with the Jam Manufacturers' Association, the Irish Flour Millers' Association, the Butter Marketing Committee, the Tea Dealers' Association and the Pigs and Bacon Commission for jams, flour, butter, tea and bacon, respectively. For the purchase of horses for the Army School of Equitation, a board composed of Mr. W.E. Wylie, K.C., a civil servant and an Army officer, was appointed. Otherwise my Department has not been assisted by committees or boards which include persons other than members of the Army or of the Civil Service.
Is the Minister satisfied with the arrangements he has made to supervise the placing and execution of Army contracts in order to ensure that they are adequate to prevent the delivery of slimy or stale bacon?
That does not arise on this question.
Will the Minister state what consultation he took?
I am absolutely satisfied.
Absolutely satisfied—the Monaghan Curing Company does not even think so.