HC Deb 26 November 1906 vol 165 cc1223-4
MR. T. F. RICHARDS (Wolverhampton, W.)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty what is the amount of chocolate manufactured at Deptford † See Column 370, 987. during the past five years; what is the amount purchased from private contractors during the same period; and whether he will consider the advisability of the appointment of a practical man to this department?

* MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

The amount of chocolate manufactured at Deptford during the past five years is 5,236,125 lbs. The amount purchased from private contractors during the same period is 1,167,200 lbs. Practical men are employed on this work, as is shown by the quality of the chocolate made and the cheap cost of its production.

MR. T. F. RICHARDS

Can a resident engineer be accepted as a practical confectioner?

MR. KEIR-HARDIE (Merthyr Tydvil)

Is the proportion of chocolate obtained as between the private manufacturer and the Government factory maintained?

* MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

I imagine so.

MR. J. WARD (Stoke-on-Trent)

If the chocolate made at Deptford is so good why not obliterate the private manufacturer altogether?

* MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

We consider it advisable to keep on the private contractors so as to have some one familiar with the wants of the Admiralty to fall back on in times of emergency.

MR. GIBBS (Bristol, W.)

Is any of the chocolate manufactured in Bristol?

* MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

asked for notice of the Question.