§ Mr. WATT (Glasgow, College)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty if the upholstery work of the new Royal Yacht was supplied by Warings, of London; if a much lower offer was made by a Glasgow firm of upholsterers of high standing; if the higher offer was accepted by the ship builder on pressure of the Admiralty; and, if so, whether in future he will see that the lowest offer, if from a competent firm, will be countenanced by the Admiralty.
§ Mr. EDMUND ROBERTSONThe upholstery of the Yacht generally is being carried out by the shipbuilders or their sub-contractors, except in the case of the apartments intended for the personal use of their Majesties, which are being furnished by Warings. They were selected for this part of the work on account of their experience in fitting up the "Victoria and Albert." No tender
† See (4) Debates, clxx., 1089.832 was invited and no offer received by the Admiralty for this work from any other firm of upholsterers. Under the contract the shipbuilders have nothing to do with the supply of upholstery for the Royal apartments.
§ MR. LEA (ST. PANCRAS, E.)Why take (this exceptional course of not putting the work out to tender)
§ MR. EDMUND ROBERTSONBecause of the special experience of this firm.
§ Mr. EDMUND ROBERTSONNo other firm has had the same experience.