HC Deb 15 December 1908 vol 198 cc1584-6
MR. JOHN WARD

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether his Department invite tenders for the supply of earthenware, china, or decorative tiles from any British firm of earthenware, china, or tile manufacturers, or whether firms of middlemen only are placed for this purpose upon the contractors' list of his Department.

THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. L. HARCOURT,) Lancashire, Rossendale

Only British manufacturers are invited to tender for china and earthenware supplies in general. No foreign firms or middlemen are invited. Tiles for buildings are sometimes included in the builders' contract, but more generally are obtained direct from the makers if they are in a position to fix them, otherwise from middlemen who undertake to provide and fix. With the exception of a very small quantity of hearth and stove tiles, it is believed that all tiles are of British manufacture.

MR. WEDGWOOD (Newcastle-under-Lyme)

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider the desirability of calling for tenders by open advertisement, so that anybody can tender, instead of confining it to a small selected list?

County. District. Particulars of buildings to be erected.
England.
Cambridge Milton House and buildings.
Cheshire Ledsham Twenty-two houses.
Cornwall Mabe House.
Gloucestershire Coombe Hill Cottage.
Isle of Wight Carisbrooke House.
Lincoln (Holland) Deeping St. Nicholas Four cottages.
Lincoln (Kesteven) North Ranceby Two cottages
Lincoln (Kesteven) Walcot and Digby Fen Four cottages.
Staffordshire Bridgford Two houses.
Worcestershire Northand Middle Littleton House.
Wales.
Denbighshire Llangynhefal House and buildings.
Denbighshire Henllan Two houses.
Montgomery Caersws House and buildings.
Radnor Llanyre House and buildings.
The above table does not include adaptation and sub-division of existing houses
MR. L. HARCOURT

I will consider that point.