HC Deb 28 February 1901 vol 90 cc31-2
MR. KEIR HARDIE (Merthyr Tydvil)

I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether he can now state the results of his investigations into the charges made against Messrs. Musgrave and Company, ironfounders, and Messrs. Wilson and Sons, tent and sail makers, both of Belfast, of having violated the conditions under which they held their contracts from the Government.

*LORD STANLEY

With regard to Messrs. Musgrave, the Department was; misled by the firm in the reply given to the House on the 13th December, 1900, as regards sub-letting, † It has: since been ascertained from personal inquiries made by the Director of Contracts that this firm did to a certain, extent infringe the terms of their contract in respect of sub-letting, and they have-been warned that this must not be repeated. With regard to Messrs. Wilson, the case has been further considered, but I can see no reason for altering the answer given to the hon. Member on the-13th December by my predecessor.

MR. KEIR HARDIE

Will a Commissioner be sent to Belfast to investigate the case against Messrs. Wilson, as was done in the case of Messrs. Musgrave?

*LORD STANLEY

The matter has been fully considered. I am afraid I cannot give any further answer.