asked the Minister for Defence if he will state the cost per lb. of meat supplied at present to Gormanstown Camp, including transport, and whether, in the view of the Minister, it would not be more economic to have contracts by tender and so give those engaged in the meat trade a fair chance in competition, and as the contractors in this case are entitled by their past records to the consideration of the Government he would consider opening this contract for competition.

The beef supplied from the Army Abattoir costs 9d. per lb., delivered at Gormanstown. I am informed that local contractors could not supply the same quality at the same price.