HC Deb 14 March 1916 vol 80 cc1890-1
70. Sir A. MARKHAM

asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office what is the maximum price at present being paid for motor cars for the use of staff officers at home and abroad, respectively?

Mr. FORSTER

I am afraid I cannot make an exception to the general rule which prevents me from disclosing prices paid to contractors.

Sir A. MARKHAM

Is it always the policy of the War Office, when they pay double what they ought to pay, to say nothing on the ground of public policy?

Mr. FORSTER

I do not think the hon. Baronet has the slightest justification for making that insinuation.

Sir A. MARKHAM

Is it not the general practice of the War Office always to pay too much, and then to say it is the public interest when it is their own inefficiency?