§ 57. Lieut.-Colonel POWNALLasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer the name of the agent who undertook to pay £9,900 for the advertisement on the census papers; whether this money has now been paid; whether the agent in question was one of the recognised advertising agents; if not, what inquiries as to his financial standing were made before he was given this large credit; and, if the money has not been paid, what steps he is taking to recover it?
Mr. YOUNGThe advertisement contract in question was awarded to the Houston Advertising Agency. This firm was a recognised advertising agency, and the fourth part of the question does not therefore arise. The sum due under the contract has not yet been paid, and proceedings have been instituted by the Treasury solicitor with a view to its recovery.