HC Deb 23 March 1905 vol 143 c945
MR. COURTENAY WARNER (Staffordshire, Lichfield)

I beg to ask the Financial Secretary to the War Office if, seeing that within the last year about 20, 000 suits of clothes which had been bought by contract were sold for about 40 per cent. less than they cost, he will state the reason for selling them and the purchase price and sale price.

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE AVAR OFFICE (Mr. BEOMLEY DAVENPORT,) Cheshire, Macclesfield

These suits of clothes, which were purchased for the purpose of giving to soldiers on discharge and to Boer prisoners, were found surplus to requirements at the end of the South African War. They were accordingly put out to tender and the best offer was accepted. The cost price was 11s. 9d., and the price realised at the sale was 5s. 6d. for 10, 000 and 5s. 7½d. for the remaining 10, 000.

MR. COURTENAY WARNER

Are they not the same description of clothes that are being served out at present?

MR. BROMLEY DAVENPORT

I am not sure whether that is so, but they were surplus.

SIR GEORGE BARTLEY (Islington, N.)

Could they not have been kept in stock until they were wanted?

MR. BROMLEY DAVENPORT

No, Sir.