§ DR. MACNAMARAI beg to ask the Secretary of State for War whether he can state why it was that not until the] it June, 1905, wee the names of Messrs. Messer and Co. of Pretoria, and of Messrs. Wilson and Worthington, of Pretoria, struck off the War Office Army Contracts lilts, having regard to the fact that the Report of the Comptroller and Auditor-General containing statements respecting the sale to, after purchase from, the Government by these firms of oats and for the at enormous profit to themselves 80 was issued as far back as 10th March, 1905.
§ MR. ARNOLD-FORSTERThe fact that these firms had made very advantageous contracts with the local military authorities did-not in itself justify their being black-listed. But on the receipt of Sir W. Butler's Report instructions were given that, pending a further inquiry, no fresh contracts should be given to the firms in question.