§ MR. HOWARD VINCENT (Sheffield, Central)asked the First Lord of the Admiralty, If it is a fact that a considerable portion of a large contract for the supply of American tobacco for the Royal Navy has been recently concluded with a broker, acting on behalf of a Continental firm, after samples submitted by British importers had been certified as good and suitable for Her Majesty's Navy; and, in such case, why preference was shown to the foreign house?
THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. FORWOOD)(who replied) said (Lancashire, Ormskirk)The circumstances of the case as suggested in the Question of my hon. Friend are not correct. Tobacco is not bought by brokers on behalf of the Admiralty, but firms established in England connected with the importation of the article are invited to submit samples and quote prices on a given date, the lowest offers for suitable qualities being always accepted?