§ MR. WHITEHEAD (Essex, S.E.)To ask the Postmaster-General whether Belgian natural cement is being used for work in connection with the Post Office at Kingston-on-Thames; whether he is aware that this article does not comply with the British standard or any other specification used for genuine Portland cement, and is of inferior quality; and whether he can see his way to issue instructions that works under his department should adopt the British standard specification in accordance with the practice of other departments.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) The contract for this work (as in all other contracts of the kind) provides that Portland cement of the best quality shall be used. A test of the cement in this case showed that this provision was not complied with, but I am unable to ascertain whether the cement used was or was not Belgian cement. I am considering what further steps shall be taken in the matter.