§ 27. Colonel DAYasked the Undersecretary of State for the Home Depart- 19 ment, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, the reasons which induced the First Commissioner in November last to enter into a contract for the supply of matches of foreign instead of British manufacture; and what was the difference in price between the tender actually accepted and the lowest tender for British matches?
§ Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMPSON(for the FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS): The tender for foreign matches was accepted because the difference in price was such that the acceptance of the British tender could not be justified. I regret that it is contrary to the usual practice to disclose the amount of the difference.
§ Colonel DAYWas it the Government's intention when this tender was accepted on 10th November last, to recommend the purchase of British goods and British goods alone, irrespectice of price?
§ Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONAs a matter of fact, I understand the November transaction was really completed and arranged for before the present Government came into office.
§ Colonel DAYIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the tender was not completed until 10th November, which was after the present Government came into office?