§ MR. JOYNSON-HICKSI beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether only Metropolitan firms are allowed to tender for contracts for joinery, furnishing, and decorative work in connection with Government buildings in London; and, if so, whether this rule has been adopted because of the alleged difficulty of inspection during the manufacture where this is carried on outside the London area; and whether he will give instructions that in future Government contracts shall in all cases be open 1715 equally to all manufacturers in the United Kingdom.
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. HARCOURT,) Lancashire, RossendaleThe limitation of competition to firms in the Metropolitan area applies only to articles of joinery and upholstery which are supplied for Government Offices in London and which have to be inspected while in course of construction. Inspection is necessary to ensure good workmanship and the use of good materials, and to prevent sweating. I am not prepared to throw such contracts open to all manufacturers as it would necessitate the employment of a largely increased staff of inspectors, and would probably lead to financial loss and delays. The list of Metropolitan manufacturers is a large one and affords ample scope for competition.