§ 28. Mr. BRIDGEMANasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he has received complaints as to the methods of purchasing hay, that the sellers have been promised a deposit if they retain hay for the Government and have never received it, that waste has been caused by careless cutting, and delays have ensued before payment is made; and whether, in view of the sacrifice made by those who sell hay to the Government, he will take steps to ensure that the buyers should be prompt and punctual in their payment?
Mr. BAKERNo complaints of this nature have been received, but if the hon. Member will give me details of any specific case I shall be glad to have inquiry made. I am informed that the bills as a rule are paid within seven days of their receipt, and that such delays as have occurred have been due to the rendering of inaccurate accounts by sellers.