§ 14. Mr. JAMES HOPEasked whether, in the event of an increased demand for bayonets for the Army, private firms will be invited to tender for some portion at least of the increased number required?
§ The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the WAR OFFICE (Mr. Harold Baker)Should there be a recurrence of the circumstances in which private firms have in the past been invited to tender for bayonets, I know of no reason why similar invitations should not be issued to them in the future; but under present conditions it is unlikely that further considerable quantities of bayonets will be required.
§ Mr. JAMES HOPEMay I ask for some more definite assurance that some part of the work will be given to private firms?
§ Mr. H. BAKERI have given the hon. Gentleman a very full answer. I know of no reason to suppose that if the weapons are required the previous practice will not be reverted to.