HC Deb 24 May 1900 vol 83 cc1099-100
CAPTAIN NORTON

I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether it has been brought to his notice that two firms whose names have been struck off the War Office list of contractors are now supplying goods to the Admiralty; and whether he will take steps to have all firms struck off' the Admiralty list that have been struck off the War Office list.

THE SECRETARY TO THE ADMIRALTY (Mr. MACARTNEY, Antrim, E.)

I understand that one firm has been struck off the War Office list for twelve months, and inquiry is being made as to the reasons upon which the action of the War Office has been based. This firm does not at present hold any Admiralty contract. With regard to another firm which has been fined for having meat unfit for sale on their premises, a report has been called for as to the way in which their present contract with the Admiralty is being executed, and the Admiralty officers have been instructed to watch their future deliveries very closely. The record of this firm in executing their contracts with the Admiralty is satisfactory. With regard to the last paragraph, in cases where the action of the War Office was based upon fraud or deliberate misconduct, immediate and similar action would, of course, be taken by the Admiralty.

MR. JAMES LOWTHER (Kent, Thanet)

Will the names of the persons forming the firms be given?

MR. MACARTNEY

I think the right hon. Gentleman had better apply to the War Office.

CAPTAIN NORTON

Will steps be taken to prevent the names of firms struck off the Army list being continued on the Navy list of contractors?

MR. MACARTNEY

I am not prepared to give such an undertaking. The War Office may exercise their discretion apart from any question of fraud or misconduct. For instance, there may be delay in delivery, and the Admiralty would not be justified in striking from their list the name of a contractor who had complied with all the conditions of his contract because he had failed to give satisfaction in the execution of a contract with the War Office, no fraud or misconduct being alleged.

MR. JAMES LOWTHER

Will the name be struck off in all cases where fraud is proved?

MR. MACARTNEY

Certainly, and where there is wilful misconduct.

CAPTAIN DONELAN

Was the condemned meat home-grown or foreign?

CAPTAIN NORTON

Is it not a case of gross injustice to other contractors to—

* MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!