§ MR. FIELD (Dublin, St. Patrick)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he can state why a tender over 15 per cent. higher than the tenders sent in by other competent contractors for the supply of bread to the ships of the Royal Navy visiting Berehaven Harbour was accepted on the last occasion that tenders were called for; whether he will arrange, in the interest of the ratepayers, that contracts for the supply of provisions for the ships of the Royal Navy are on all occasions given to those who tender the best value.
(Answered by Mr. Pretyman.) The tenders were obtained by one of His Majesty's ships in the neighbourhood, and, after an examination of sample loaves, by a committee, on which the lower deck was fully represented, the tender referred to was accepted by them as best fulfilling the condition as to quality and price.