§ 102. Mr. MacVEAGHasked how many and what committees of business men are now co-operating with the War Office in the placing of contracts for such supplies as clothing and food; and what are the powers and authority of such committees?
§ Mr. FORSTERWhile the advice of many leading men of business has been freely sought since the outbreak of war, no formal committees have been appointed for the purpose named in the question, but an advisory committee has lately been appointed whom the Director of Army Contracts will be able to consult on all contract questions when occasion arises.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHCan the hon. Gentleman say whether that Committee includes men of practical experience in the business for which contracts are to placed?
§ Mr. FORSTERVery practical men.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEHas the gentleman of push-and-go been appointed yet?
§ Mr. MacVEAGHWill the hon. Gentleman answer my question—whether the gentlemen on this Committee are men who have had practical experience in the business with which they will be placing contracts?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe Committee is not going to place contracts. The Committee is to advise generally on contract business. The gentlemen appointed on the Committee, as I have already told the hon. Member, are men of practical experience.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHDoes that mean that the permanent officials are still to place the contracts?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe War Office still, of course, maintains responsibility for its proper functions