§ 71. Mr. THURTLEasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury how many Government contracts have been placed with Messrs. Hoskin & Son, Limited, of Trinity Street, Birmingham, since the present Government came into office, and the total value thereof?
§ Mr. McNEILLSince November, 1924, the Admiralty have placed nine contracts for miscellaneous fittings with Messrs. Hoskins & Son, Limited, to a total value of approximately £6,400. During the same period the Army Ordnance Department, on behalf of the Air Ministry, made one local purchase of dressing wagons, the value of which was £63, 7s. 6d.
§ Mr. THURTLECan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the contracts he has mentioned represent the total number of Government contracts made with this firm during the period specified?
§ Mr. McNEILLYes, so far as I am aware. I have been inquiring into them, and those are all that I can find.
§ Mr. THURTLEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are details given in the "Ministry of Labour Gazette" which show contracts other than those which he has mentioned?
§ Mr. McNEILLNo, I am not aware of that.
§ Major the Marquess of TITCHFIELDDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think 41 that this question is merely the vanguard in a campaign of insinuation and slander?