HC Deb 16 June 1881 vol 262 cc643-4
MR. JUSTIN M'CARTHY (for Mr. PARNELL)

asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether, when tenders are invited in Ireland for Army contracts, no patterns or samples are exhibited for inspection in that country, but can only be seen in England; whether all goods contracted for in Ireland for the service of the Army in Ireland have to be sent to London for inspection; whether some years ago there was an order that samples should be exhibited at the Ordnance Stores, Montpelier Hill, Dublin, and that goods, if made in Dublin, should be received and inspected there; and, whether he will consider the desirability of returning to this practice, in order to give Irish firms a practical opportunity for tendering for supplies to the Army in Ireland?

MR. CHILDERS

In reply to the hon. Member's first Question, I have to state that it appears to be founded on some misapprehension. I find that samples intended for the use of the trade in tendering for linen are exhibited in Belfast, for boots only a few months ago at Dublin and Cork, and for brushes at Dublin. There is no objection to exhibit samples at any centres of trade if the amount of business done justifies it. But in answer to the second Question, I am not prepared, on the information now before me, to multiply, at a considerable cost, places of inspection. All inspections now take place at London and Woolwich, and if inspecting officers were appointed for Dublin, they would also have to be appointed for Scotland, Manchester, Sheffield, and other important industrial centres. But I am not unwilling to give further consideration to this suggestion. As to the third Question, I find that there is a tradition in the Office that, 25 years ago, a plan for local inspections was discussed, but it was certainly not carried out, and I can find no Papers on the subject. Personally I am anxious to localize contracts; and the hon. Member may be aware that I have done a good deal to encourage clothing contracts in Ireland, and this work is being well done at Limerick, under an improved system.