§ MR. M. HEALY (Cork)I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether the existing contract for the supply of clothing for Irish Post Office officials is held by a private firm; and, if so, when the contract was entered into, and when it will expire; whether, on its expiration, an opportunity will be given to Irish firms to tender for the contract: and whether it would be possible to arrange that the material for the clothing should be of Irish manufacture, assuming that equally good material could be supplied at the same price?
§ MR. A. MORLEYThe present contract for the supply of Post Office uniform clothing in Ireland is for three years, and expires on the 31st instant. It is held by an Irish firm. The new contract, like the present one, will be made by the War Department on behalf of the Post Office; and it is understood that tenders have already been invited. I am not aware that any condition has been made as to the place where the material for the clothing should be manufactured.