HC Deb 24 April 1911 vol 24 cc1353-5
Mr. CHIOZZA MONEY

asked the Prime Minister if, in view of known cases of undue profit made by private contractors for the public service, and of allegations which have been repeatedly made as to profits obtained by private contractors for various items of armament, and in view also of the small number of firms which in some instances form the sole market from which the Government can draw its supplies, and of the consolidation of capitals and adoption of price agreements in British industry in recent years he will appoint a Select Committee of this House to consider and report upon the whole subject of the relations of the various Government spending departments and private contractors and the precautions taken to secure that the taxpayers' money is spent economically?

The PRIME MINISTER

The question raised by my hon. Friend has long been engaging the closest attention of the Departments concerned. The Government see no necessity at the present time for the appointment of a Select Committee, as they have every reason to believe that the interests of the taxpayer are being carefully safeguarded.

Mr. JOHN WARD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware there are some hundreds of contractors in the country capable of carrying out great public works, and that only about a dozen are ever invited to tender?

The PRIME MINISTER

There are special reasons for that.

Mr. WEDGWOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the India Office do publish their requests for tenders in the newspapers, and that it is only other Government Departments which have this system to exclude competition?

The PRIME MINISTER

It depends on the character and subject of the contracts concerned.

Mr. CHIOZZA MONEY

May I ask if it is not becoming increasingly difficult for Government Departments to safeguard themselves in this matter?

Mr. MacNEILL

May I ask whether, in reference to these contracts, the Government Departments view with peculiar jealousy offers made to them by firms whose directors are sometimes Members of this House?

The PRIME MINISTER

I would ask for notice of that.