16. Mr. POINTERasked whether, in view of the fact that the maintenance and repair work on the various Government buildings is more or less of a regular character, and that in many cases the same workmen have performed the work for years although contracts have changed hands, further consideration will be given to the advisability of employing these workmen direct and thus save the profits of contractors?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNLong and earnest consideration has already been given to the question of the advisability of employing direct the workmen referred to in the question. Where it is found desirable, workmen are employed direct by the Department, but generally it is found that the employment of workmen through contractors under the present system is more efficient and economical.