§ 7. Mr. MANVILLEasked the hon. and gallant Member for the Pollok Division of Glasgow as representing the First Commissioner of Works if he is aware that the Office of Works has let a contract for the construction of the buildings of the new telephone exchange in Sheffield to the Wholesale Co-operative Society; and is it to be the policy of the Government in the future to place contracts in the hands of this or similar organisations which, under the present system of taxation, contribute nothing to the maintenance of the country?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Sir J. GILMOUR (for the First Commissioner of Works)A contract for perliminary work upon the site for a new telephone exchange at Sheffield has been let to the Co-operative Wholesale Society, which submitted the lowest competitive tender. The Office of Works is satisfied that the firm is capable of executing the work in accordance with its requirements as to time and quality of craftsmanship. The decision is based on the general policy of economy. This consideration is entirely separate and distinct from any question as to the taxation of Co-operative Societies. On that question I would refer my hon. Friend to the evidence given before the Royal Commission on the Income Tax and to the Report of the Commission published in March, 1920 (Cmd. 645), from which he will find that the suggestion contained in the last part of his question is based upon a misapprehension.
§ Mr. MANVILLEDoes the hon. and gallant Gentleman know the indignation which exists amongst the traders of this country at such a contract being placed with an association of that nature, which contributes nothing whatever to the upkeep of the Government or the country; 711 and is he aware of the speech that was made in this House by the Leader of the House when Chancellor of the Exchequer, in which he stated that the greater the success of the co-operative movement, the more intolerable that position became to everybody else, and the more impossible it became——
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member is going beyond a supplementary question.
§ Mr. MANVILLEOn a point of Order. According to your ruling a few weeks ago, I had to put this question to the head of the Department concerned, and obviously it is a question that can only be answered by the Leader of the House. May I put it down to him?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member appeared to be quoting from some speech in the House, and in a question that could not be admitted in any case. It could only be used in debate.