§ 106. Mr. BOOTHasked whether War Office contractors for huts, etc., are buying timber in competition with Mr. Meyer, of the Office of Works; and whether any efforts were made to induce Sir John Jackson to purchase timber for Army work through the Office of Works, and if he refused?
Mr. BAKERThe arrangements for purchase of timber through Mr. Meyer were subsequent to the arrangement for works made by Sir J. Jackson and other agents, many of whom had already made contracts or taken other steps for supplies. As these could only be set aside at the cost of delay to work, it was considered advisable to let the agents in question have the option of procuring timber through Messrs. Meyer or not.
§ Mr. BOOTHMay I ask whether it is not a fact that Sir John Jackson was asked to make his purchases by means of this Meyer contract and flatly refused?