HC Deb 13 April 1885 vol 296 cc1451-2
MR. W. J. CORBET

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether the Post Office clothing contract is under the control of the War Department; and, if so, whether there is a clause in form of tender providing that all clothing shall be made up at the contractor's factory only, and that no work whatever shall be done at the homes of the workpeople under a penalty of £700; whether he is aware that the firm who have just obtained the contract have sub-let it to a "sweater" at the East end of London, and what steps he will cause to be taken in the matter; and, whether the size roll was withheld from certain manufacturers, and what was the reason for withholding it?

MR. BRAND

The Post Office clothing contract is under the control of the War Office; but there is no such clause in the form of tender as that indicated in the Question. The firm who have obtained the contract have arranged with another War Office contractor to assist them in carrying it out. The size roll was not withheld from any manufacturer who applied for it.