§ 23. Mr. BROADasked the Secretary of State for War whether he is aware that, with reference to nine Mark 5 four-inch guns for Australia which were recently ordered through the War Office, together with the necessary mechanism, three principal firms of contractors all tendered at the same price, and that the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, tendered at£200 less per set, and was prepared to complete the work in the same time; what was the reason why the work was placed in the hands of a contractor; and whether the War Office or the Australian Government is to bear the cost of the additional price?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the ADMIRALTY (Mr. Davidson)I have been asked to reply. No orders for these guns have yet been placed. I may acid that the decision of such a matter rests with the Commonwealth Government.