§ 71. Mr. BRIANTasked the First Commissioner of Works if tables and other articles of office furniture are still being manufactured for the use of Government Departments although the number of persons employed on the clerical staff is being rapidly reduced, and there should consequently be a considerable surplus of office furniture available without the purchase of further quantities?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Sir Alfred Mond)Tables and other articles of office furniture are still being manufactured under contracts placed before the Armistice. Large portions of the contracts for such articles have been cancelled by agreement since the Armistice was signed, but it was not possible after taking into consideration all the interests involved, to cancel the whole of the balances of the contracts outstanding without involving the State in the payment of large sums of money as compensation without any material return. So much of the furniture as can be utilised for Government purposes will be so utilised, and the remainder will be sold to the best advantage.
§ Sir R. COOPERDid not the Office of Works during the War insert a break clause like all other Government Departments?
§ Sir A. MONDI believe that was so.
§ Mr. BRIANTCan the right hon. Gentleman inform us when these contracts cease, and what stock there is?
§ Sir A. MONDI should like notice of that question.
§ Sir C. HENRYIf a break clause is inserted in those contracts, why are deliveries still being taken?
§ Sir A. MONDPerhaps my hon Friend will give notice of that question.