§ 56. Mr. WATTasked the Minister of Munitions whether the system of lists which has long been in vogue in the War Office and Admiralty has been adopted by his Department, whereby manufacturers of war material have to get on to the Department's lists, and only then are allowed to tender; if he has abandoned this system; and will he say whether the Munitions Department is as open to listen to sellers as large business firms in this country?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI must necessarily keep lists of firms known to be equipped for the manufacture of the special articles for which they are noted. I will, however, readily consider all applications from other competent manufacturers, and all applications or offers to supply will invariably be dealt with on their merits.
§ Mr. WATTDoes the right hon. Gentleman think it is businesslike when munitions are wanted to be over particular as to those who offer the goods to him?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI do not know what my hon. Friend means by "over particular." We must be assured that we can get the goods, and that they are goods of the right quality. That is very important. I can assure my hon. Friend that we are going on an extensive scale outside the munitions list of the War Office. Of course we must be certain that the articles delivered will be of the right quality, otherwise they will be more disastrous to us than to the enemy.
§ Mr. WATTIs not the question of delivery a future question? Would not that be looked after when the delivery actually takes place?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEDoes the hon. Member mean inspection?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEThere are difficulties of inspection. Some firms might promise to deliver shells, but we know they could not carry out their obligations. We are getting some offers of a prodigious character.