§ MR. MURPHY (Dublin, St. Patrick's)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether, although cement for War Department works is supplied subject to conditions to comply with certain tests, it is, as a matter of fact, constantly used without the specified tests being actually carried out, the character of the manufacturer, with, perhaps, occasional tests, being considered a sufficient guarantee; whether he is aware that, with this knowledge, builders prefer buying from well-known rather than newly-established makers; and, whether, with a view to encouraging a struggling effort to establish cement manufacture in Ireland, he will direct the Engineer De- 1084 partment in Dublin to have some tests made of Irish cement in the presence of the manufacturers' agents?
§ THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, WAR DEPARTMENT (Mr. BRODRICK) (Surrey, Guildford)(who replied) said: the facts are, no doubt, as stated in the hon. Member's Question. The War Department does not desire to fetter in any way a contractor's discretion as to where he procures his cement; and it would, therefore, be contrary to the Rule to test any cement except that which the contractor tenders for actual use.