§ MR. LABOUCHEREI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he can state for how many years the contract for the supply of clothing to the sergeants and constables of the Metropolitan Police Force has been held by the present contractors; the prices paid for tunics, great coats, serge jackets, and trousers; and since what time tenders for these articles have not been invited from other firms.
§ *MR. AKERS-DOUGLASThe present clothing contract was made in September, 1890. It is a "running" contract, and contains provision for reviewing from time to time the prices of the articles supplied. I do not think it would be
† See page 193795 in the public interest that I should state those prices. No other firms have been invited to tender since 1890.