§ MR. LOUGH (Islington, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether contracts are being obtained from private firms for the supply of cordite; whether he hopes to secure any economy by this means'; and whether he would consider the desirability of establishing an alternative Government manufactory apart from Waltham Abbey, and so preserve the secret of the process of manufacture and secure a constant supply, notwithstanding any accidental or other dislocation of the machinery?
§ * MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANTenders are about to be invited from private firms for the supply of cordite. It is hoped that as private firms gain experience in the manufacture their prices may approximate to the Government factory prices, but, as the latter contain nothing for interest or profit, It is not anticipated that private firms will ever supply at factory prices. It is considered that sources for the supply of cordite should exist in the private trade of the country, which should effectually prevent the possibility of any inconvenience arising from accident. There is no secret in any of the processes of the manufacture.
§ * MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANNo, Sir. I do not think it would be desirable to have the manufacture entirely in the hands of the Government.
§ MR. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)Will the Government supply special machinery for the manufacture of cordite?
§ MR. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANNo, Sir.