§ 64. Mr. WILLIAM YOUNGasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether a timber merchant named Montague L. Meyer, of Dashwood House, New Broad Street, E.C., has been appointed purchasing agent or sole purchases of timber for the War Office; and, if so, what were the qualifications or position of Mr. Meyer in the timber trade which induced the War Office to make such an arrangement with him?
Mr. BAKERThe Office of Works, after consultation with the War Office undertook to purchase large quantities of timber of the grade required for erecting huts for the troops. They appointed Mr. Meyer as their buying agent. His qualifications were duly considered by the Office of Works, who were satisfied as to his capacity for executing this task under their supervision. I am informed that he is one of the largest importers of soft timber in London. There is every reason to believe that this arrangement has effected both economy and quick delivery of the necessary materials.
§ Mr. W. YOUNGWould the hon. Gentleman state whether Mr. Meyer has been paid for his services at the War Office, and whether he is carrying on business on his own account while acting as purchasing 138 agent for the War Office; and, if so, is it not evident to the War Office that this is an unbusinesslike way of proceeding?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member should give notice of the question, and the terms of it should be handed in at the Table.