HC Deb 14 March 1907 vol 171 c216
MR. BOWLES (Lambeth, Norwood)

I beg to ask the Secretary to the Admiralty, whether he is aware that though, in 1905, fresh tenders for the supply of hat ribbons were called for by the Admiralty, two-thirds of the total supply were thereafter obtained from the original contractor at prices higher than those quoted by another accepted tender; whether this course involved a loss, between 20th October, 1905, and 31st March, 1906, of over £500; and, if so, whether any steps have since been taken to prevent a continuance of such losses.

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

This question, which belongs to the previous administration, is now under review by the Public Accounts Committee, and it would therefore be contrary to the usual practice for me to make any statement.

MR. BOWLES

Has anything been done to prevent a continuance of the practice?

MR. EDMUND ROBERTSON

I would suggest that the hon. Gentleman should await the Report of the Committee.

MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN (Worcestershire, E.)

Will the House have this session an opportunity of discussing the Report of the Public Accounts Committee? We have already been asked to defer several questions until we get that Report.

THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMAN, Stirling Burghs)

I am afraid that has not come within the scope of my vision yet.