§ MR. MACDONALDasked the Secretary of State for War, If his attention has been directed to a Correspondence in respect to a contract for locks furnished to the War Office, in which it is stated that a person furnished locks at a very large per centage above purchase price; if he has taken any steps to find if these allegations are correct; whether there was any particular reason why that tradesman was selected to supply the locks; and, whether it be correct that cast-iron locks were not used in the Department till the contract was in the hands of the contractor in question?
COLONEL LOYD LINDSAY, in reply, said, the attention of his right hon. and gallant Friend (Colonel Stanley) had been called to the matter referred to. The locks, however, as a matter of fact, were purchased at the printed price, which was not in excess of the ordinary retail price. It had not been the practice to furnish locks of cast-iron; but English manufacturers were of opinion that if they were of good workmanship they were as good as others.
§ MR. MACDONALDgave Notice that he would take the first opportunity of calling attention to this matter of locks. He could show that there had been great extravagance.