§ 64. Mr. C. DUNCANasked the Financial Secretary to the War Office if he will state the prices paid for the universal service dress, jacket, trousers, and greatcoats as made in America, Canada, the Army Clothing Factory, and by the British contractor, respectively; and also the price paid for gas-helmets as made in the Army Clothing Factory and by the British contractor, respectively, and the percentage of rejected helmets in both cases?
§ Mr. FORSTERIt is not desirable to disclose the prices paid under War Office contracts. The percentages of rejections of helmets in the case of the Royal Army Clothing Department and the British contractors are 1.1 and 21 respectively.
§ Sir A. MARKHAMAre we to take it that during the War the answer to this question is still to be the stereotyped reply that it is not in the public interest to give prices paid by the Government Departments, and is the reason for this simply because the Government always pay more than anybody else?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe answer will be given when circumstances require it.
§ Sir A. MARKHAMCircumstances required it long since.