HC Deb 01 June 1893 vol 12 cc1755-6
*MR. WEIR

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether an order has been given within the last three months to Messrs. Whitworth and Co. for a considerable number of air vessels for 18-inch torpedoes; and whether private tenders were invited; if so, was the lowest tender accepted; if not, will he explain on what grounds?

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. WOODALL,) Hanley

An order for forgings for air vessels for 18-inch torpedoes was recently given to Messrs. Whitworth and Co. Tenders were invited in the ordinary way, and that of Messrs. Whitworth was accepted in view of the reliability of the forgings previously supplied by them, and the better rate of delivery offered, although there was a small difference in price between them and another firm.

*MR. WEIR

Were the tenders invited by public advertisement?

MR. WOODALL

The number of firms capable of supplying these forgings is well known, and invitations were sent to all of them.

MR. FORWOOD (Lancashire, Ormskirk)

Is it the custom, when inviting firms to tender, to accept the lowest tender?

MR. WOODALL

Not necessarily.