HC Deb 25 March 1892 vol 2 cc1811-2
MR. BLANE (for Mr. CUNINGHAME GRAHAM)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if any moneys were paid to the contractors supplying the Lee Metford Rifles in aid of their plant and machinery; and, if so, would he state what amount; and if these amounts are in addition to the contract price for the rifle?

MR. E. STANHOPE

No allowance was made to the contractors supplying Lee Metford Rifles which was not included in the contract price of this rifle.

SIR J. COLOMB (&c.) Tower Hamlets, Bow,

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the fact referred to by the Controller General, in the Report dated 31st March, 1891, that the cost of production of the magazine rifle (mark I.) at the two Government factories is stated to be the same—namely, £5 6s. 8d., he will state what was the amount above £5 6s. 8d. paid for the same rifle to the trade at that time, and whether this sum of £5 6s. 8d. includes interest on capital outlay, or cost of special machinery and departmental expenses at the Government factories?

MR. E. STANHOPE

The price of the Lee-Metford rifle, as made in the Government factories before 1st April, 1890, was £5 6s. 8d., which included the cost of special machinery and all departmental expenses at the factories, with depreciation of buildings and machinery, but not interest on capital outlay. The cost of similar rifles for which contracts were then entered into was practically £5 9s. 3d., but no deliveries under those contracts were made till a later date, at which time the Government factories were making the arm at £3 13s. 5d.

SIR J. COLOMB

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether the charge for wages and materials in Government and private yards is the same?

MR. E. STANHOPE

The charge is included in both cases. I cannot say whether they are the same.

MR. WINTERBOTHAM (Gloucester, Circencester)

I should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman what percentage the Government take off for depreciation?

MR. E. STANHOPE

Ten per cent.