HC Deb 14 March 1904 vol 131 cc968-9
MR. LAMBERT

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the statement of the War Office Reconstitution Committee, that a Director and an Assistant Director of Contracts have been appointed, neither of whom had previously any experience in buying, or any knowledge of the special stores to be bought, is a correct statement of fact; if so, who is responsible for such appointments; and will these appointments be continued.

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

The statement referred to in the Question appears to me to be a somewhat incorrect representation of the facts. The officials referred to have not previously served in the contract branch, but the present Director of Contracts had several years experience in charge of the Army Clothing Department, Pimlico. No official could be selected who could have a complete knowledge of all the various stores dealt with by the contract branch. I am responsible for the promotion of these gentlemen.

MR. LAMBERT

The statement in the Question is a quotation from a War Office document.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether the Lords of the Treasury have sanctioned the appointment of Mr. Henry de la Bere as Director of Army Contracts; whether the announcement of that gentleman's appointment was made by the Secretary of State for War with the concurrence of their Lordships; and, whether Mr. Alfred Major had resigned the office of Director of Contracts when the appointment of Mr. de la Bere was officially announced.

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

The Lords of the Treasury sanctioned the appointment of Mr. Henry de la Bere as Director of Army Contracts on the retirement of Mr. Major, which took place on the 11th March. Mr. de la Bere has officiated as Director of Contracts, without additional pay, since Mr. Major proceeded on sick leave pending retirement.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

The right hon. Gentleman has not answered the last paragraph of the Question.

MR. ARNOLD-FORSTER

Mr. de la Bere was not appointed; he was asked to undertake the duties pending the resignation.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Was not his appointment announced officially in The Times before the resignation took place.

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order! The hon. Member is now quoting from a newspaper.

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

The right hon. Gentleman supplied it to The Times.