§ MR. J. JOHNSON (Gateshead)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Admiralty whether the Government has extended the period of a contract for chain cables and mooring chains entered into with several firms of chain-makers, under which arrangement other employers have been debarred from tendering; if so, will he say on what grounds such preference is justified; and whether, in future, he will see that equal opportunity is given to all firms to tender for such contracts.
§ MR. McKENNAPending the preparation of certain technical details for a new contract, the existing arrangements have been temporarily continued to meet current requirements. As soon as the necessary particulars are available the usual opportunity will be afforded to all firms.