§ 15. Colonel CROFTasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether he is aware that a naval cordite factory asked for tenders for porcelain enamelled baths in May, 1916; that the contract was given to a firm at Lambeth at prices considerably higher than those tended by Messrs. Kennedy, Limited, of Bournemouth, and that the Bournemouth price included fittings, whereas the Lambeth firm tendered without fittings; and whether he can state why a tender was accepted at approximately double the price that offered by Messrs. Kennedy?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe only purchase of baths for the establishment in question which was made in the month named was for ten baths. Three local firms were invited to tender, and the lowest offer was accepted. No London firm was invited to quote for these baths. The transaction was carried out by the contractors for the factory, who, I presume, considered the matter so comparatively small that local firms could satisfactorily and economically deal with it. I am advised that some baths were included in another contract as to which I have not yet got particulars as to date, etc. In this case, as the contract was of more considerable volume, I understand that no local firms at all were invited to tender, so that if this were the case which my hon. and gallant Friend has in mind, the facts could hardly be as stated. However, if he wishes to pursue the matter further, perhaps he will put the question down again.