HC Deb 24 February 1896 vol 37 c907
SIR CHARLES DILKE (Gloucester, Forest of Dean)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, whether it would be possible to lay annually before Parliament a list of all firms having contracts with any Departments of State?

THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Mr. R. W. HANBURY,) Preston

The practical difficulties are so great, especially in the two great spending Departments, the War Office and Admiralty, that the Government do not at present see their way to grant an unopposed Return of this kind.