HC Deb 05 March 1903 vol 118 cc1558-9
MR. NANNETTI (Dublin, College Green)

To ask the Secretary of State for War whether his attention has been drawn to a circular issued by the War Office to commanding officers of regiments in the United Kingdom, in which certain private firms are recommended to officers with which to place their orders for their uniforms and other necessaries of outfit; whether he is aware that a regimental order has also- † See (4) Debates, cxiv., 386. been issued to subordinate officers to a similar effect; and will he say whether these firms have been selected after being invited to tender; and, if so, were the tenders open to competition.

LORD STANLEY

The hon. Member has been misinformed; no such circular has been issued. A circular has been issued by the War Office direct to a large number of firms of tailors asking for their terms for supplying officers on joining with uniforms, if cash payments were made.

MR. NANNETTI

If I supply the noble Lord with a copy of the circular issued, in which London firms are specifically named, will he make further inquiries? Have not orders to certain tailors in Dublin been cancelled in consequence of the circular?

LORD STANLEY

There is no need for further inquiry. The object of issuing the circular was to get information which would enable us to carry out the policy of cheapening the cost of uniforms to officers.

MR. NANNETTI

Then has the War Office issued instructions to commanding officers to act as canvassers for private firms?

*MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

MR. FLYNN (Cork, N)

Is it not the fact that Irish firms have been excluded from the list?

*MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! That is a totally different question.

MR. NANNETTI

I will call attention to this on another occasion.