§ 113. Sir A. MARKHAMasked the Under-Secretary for War whether Messrs. Bovill and Sons are purchasing oats and maize for the Army; if so, will he say what rates of commission are paid for this work and the total sum paid to this firm during the last six months; and is this firm also permitted to carry on their own business during the time they are acting as Government agents?
§ Mr. FORSTERMessrs. Bovill and Sons have been acting as War Office agents for the purchase of oats and maize since April last. The commission payable for the twelve months amounts to £15,000, or about 1/5th of 1 per cent. on the total value of the purchases. For this remuneration the firm, besides buying, have undertaken the necessary arrangements for discharging cargoes and bagging and distributing the grain. They have for some months past ceased purchasing oats on their own account.
§ Sir A. MARKHAMAre they buying maize on their own account?
§ Mr. FORSTERThat is referred to in the answer to the question.