§ Mr. HART-DAVIESasked the Secretary of State whether the Army agency business was distributed equally between the three firms, Messrs. Cox and Company, Messrs. Holt and Company, and Messrs. M`Gregor and Company; if not, in what proportion is it distributed; and whether any tenders were invited from any other joint stock or private banks before sanctioning the arrangement with the three above-mentioned firms?
§ Mr. HALDANEThe Army Agency business 'is not distributed equally between the three firms mentioned. The distribution was originally made in accordance with the wishes of the regiments concerned, and the Army List shows who are agents for particular regiments. Tenders were not invited from any other firms. As I informed my hon. Friend on the 10th instant, the work has been extremely well done in the past, and for many years it has been done without any cost to the public, and I am not aware of any reason for altering the arrangements.
§ Mr. HART-DAVIESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are firms of the highest standing who would be willing to pay a considerable sum for this monopoly?
§ Mr. HALDANEYes, very likely.