§ MR. A. O'CONNOR (Donegal, E.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether any steps have yet been taken, in accordance with his promise of last year, to see for the public the ad-advantages of open competition or limited competition for the supply of drugs and medical comforts and appliances and surgical instruments to the Army?
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. BBODRICK, Surrey, Guildford)The supply of drugs and medical appliances has been put up to limited competition, and the contract has fallen to Messrs. Herring. No change has as yet been made in regard to surgical instruments. Experience will show whether the public has gained by the change of system.
§ MR. A. O'CONNORIf the list was decided after considerable inquiry, how is it that the name of the best known firm in the trade was omitted?
§ MR. BRODRICKI cannot answer that question off-hand.