HC Deb 09 July 1900 vol 85 cc954-5
MR. HENNIKER HEATON (Canterbury)

I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he is aware that after certain contractors' names had been struck off the list, commanding officers of Militia and Volunteer regiments have written letters to these contractors stating that they would continue to employ them, the contractors, in supplying clothing; and whether immediate and suitable action will be taken by the Government in such cases.

*THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE WAR OFFICE (Mr. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS,) Birmingham, S.

The Secretary of State has no knowledge of any such letters as are referred to in the question. Militia clothing is supplied from the Government stores. Officers commanding Volunteer regiments have been made aware that the name of Messrs. Samuel Brothers has been struck off the list of firms with whom the War Office is willing to have dealings. The responsibility of obtaining proper and serviceable supplies, however, is with those officers, and the Secretary of State would not willingly interfere with their discretion in the matter. At the same time he does not consider it advisable that supplies for Volunteers should be obtained from firms who have been removed by the War Office from its list of contractors on account of the very bad quality of the articles delivered.

*MR. JAMES LOWTHER (Kent, Thanet)

Am I to understand that the Secretary of State does not intend to give effect to his own decision, and that these commanding officers are to be allowed to employ these contractors?

*MR. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS

I have stated that the discretion in the matter is with the commanding officers, and the Secretary of State will not willingly interfere with their discretion.

*MR. JAMES LOWTHER

Will he do so unwillingly?

*MR. J. POWELL-WILLIAMS

We trust that the commanding officers will observe the opinion which is expressed in answer to the question.

*MR. JAMES LOWTHER

Will the list be published of those commanding officers who disregard it?

MR. FLAVIN (Kerry, N.)

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether the Messrs. Samuel mentioned are the firm who sold boots made out of newspapers?

MR. HENNIKER HEATON

Is it not a fact that Lord Wolseley has been handed a list of letters from commanding officers declining to obey the War Office?

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

May I put a relevant question? May I ask whether it is not the fact that these commanding officers expend public money, and has not the War Office control over them?

*MR. SPEAKER

The hon. Member is arguing on the answer. The question on the Paper has been fully answered.