§ 1. Mr. PERRYasked the President of the Board of Trade if his attention has been called to the prices quoted in tenders recently received by the Birmingham City Council for the supply of electrical machinery; whether he is aware that four firms, members of the British Electrical and Allied Manufacturers' Association, submitted tenders, the lowest being £9,000 and the highest £9,765, and that the Birmingham City Council then invited another firm, already under contract, to tender, whose estimate of £3,615 was accepted; and, in view of such 1931 attempts to profiteer at the expense of the ratepayers, will he introduce legislation to restrict the operations of rings and trusts in this country?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Webb)I have no knowledge of this particular contract, but I shall be glad to consider any further information which can be furnished. As regards the last part of the question, in view of the position of Parliamentary business, it will not be possible to introduce legislation on this subject, other than the Building Materials (Charges and Supplies) Bill, during the present Session.
§ Major BARNETTIs it not quite obvious that there was some misdescription in the form of tender which the firm already under contract understood while the other firms did not?
§ Mr. PERRYWill the right hon. Gentleman kindly ascertain from the Birmingham City Council what they think about it?
§ Mr. HARDIEIs it not the practice, when a council sends out specifications, that these are printed, so that no mistake of any kind can arise?