§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War if he will state whether any different system has been introduced by the War Office in the production of bricks at their Connelmore Brickfields. Ireland, to account for the increase in cost of common bricks from £2 9s. 6d. per 1,000 in 1899–1900 to £3 3s. 5d. in 1900–1901, and for facing bricks from £3 0s. 8d. to £3 15s. 7d.; and, if not, will he explain the cause o£ the increased cost.
LORD STANLEYThis question will come before the Public Accounts Committee, and I am therefore not prepared to discuss it at the present time.
§ MR. WEIRIs the noble Lord aware that the matter has already come under the notice of the Public Accounts Committee, and that the Auditor General wishes to know the reason of the increased cost?
LORD STANLEYI think the hon. Member is a little inaccurate. The matter came before them, but has been postponed for future consideration—until, I think, the middle of April.