§ MR. HEDGES (Kent, Tonbridge)To ask the President of the Local Government Board if his attention has been drawn to Mr. Elvey Robb's public statement that the Mile End guardians paid for bread in the course of the years 1904, 1905, and 1906 £1,465 17s. 6d. in excess of the lowest tenders; and whether, in view of this and the other facts elicited, he will extend the inquiry to all the contracts of the guardians during the period which is now under review in regard to the coal contracts.
§ (Answered by Mr. John Burns.) I am aware of the statement referred to. I understand that either to-day or to-morrow the inquiry will be adjourned for some weeks, during which the work charged for in respect of the scattered homes and the infirmary will be measured. Before the inquiry is resumed I will consider the suggestion that it should be extended to other contracts besides those now under investigation.