§ 66. Mr. WILLIAM YOUNGasked whether Mr. Montague Meyer who, through the Office of Works, has been appointed buying agent for the requirements of timber of the War Office is being paid for his services; and, if so, at what rate of commission or on what basis his remuneration is being paid?
Mr. BAKERMr. Meyer, who has been appointed by the Office of Works to assist them in the purchase of timber, receives a commission of 2½ per cent. on the nett value of the timber bought. All discounts, commissions, or other special terms allowed by the sellers, are credited to the Department.
§ Mr. YOUNGCan the hon. Gentleman state the value of the timber bought for the War Office through this gentleman up to the present time?
Mr. BAKEREvery effort was made to get good terms from other firms before this gentleman was selected.
Sir H. DALZIELAre we to understand that it is a question of terms? I thought it was a question of experience.
Mr. BAKERThis gentleman was selected because, after careful enquiry, he was found to be the best. No doubt the hon. Gentleman objects to his name, but I have no knowledge of his nationality myself.
§ 67. Mr. YOUNGasked the Under-Secretary of State for War whether Mr. Montague Meyer, who is acting as buying agent for the timber requirements of the War Office, is at the same time carrying on business as a timber merchant on his own account; what steps he has taken to verify the statement made to him that Mr. Meyer is one of the largest importers of soft timber in London; and whether Mr. Meyer has only been established in business as a timber or wood merchant for some four years?
Mr. BAKERI am informed that Mr. Meyer has stopped his ordinary business, except as regards those kinds of timber which are unsuitable for his transactions with the Office of Works. The statement as to Mr. Meyer's standing in the trade has been verified by the Office of Works from figures at their disposal. I am informed that he has been established as a timber merchant for more than double the period suggested in the question.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEAre we to understand that the War Office makes no inquiry into the nationality of their contractors?
Mr. BAKERThis gentleman was selected by the Office of Works on behalf of the War Office. Before selecting him they made the most careful inquiries.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEWould the right hon. Gentleman answer my question?
§ Mr. WATTIs precaution taken in the contract that over and above the commission paid to this man he cannot derive a profit from these transactions?
Mr. BAKERYes, Sir, I can assure my hon. Friend that that is so; every document and every transaction is being carefully verified by the officials of the Office of Works.
§ Sir FRANCIS LOWEAs a matter of fact, does the hon. Gentleman know what is the nationality of this gentleman?