§ Mr. BOWERMANasked the Secretary to the Treasury if he will state when the first contract for the supply of stamps was entrusted to the firm recently engaged in the production of such work, and the number of times it has been renewed; also the total sum paid by the Government to the firm in question during the running of such contracts?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHThe first contract for the supply of stamps was entrusted to the firm in question in 1880. That contract was renewed in 1889 and 1899; and the total sums paid by the Government thereunder from 1880 to 1910 inclusive amount to £3,500,000.
§ Mr. BOWERMANMay I ask the hon. Gentleman if this firm now hold any Government contract, and, if so, will be make a note of the fact that the firm no longer employs union labour?
§ Mr. LANSBURYasked the Secretary to the Treasury if he can now inform the House whether any contracts now being executed for Government Departments were entered into without competitive tenders being first obtained; and if the Treasury will issue such regulations as will make it impossible in future that any Government contracts may be given without competition?
§ Mr. ILLINGWORTHCompetitive tender is the general rule throughout the public service wherever possible. For the supply of certain classes of goods—e.g, patented articles—competitive tender is not appropriate.