§ 58. Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, the name of the firm to whom the order for light railway material for the National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, has been given, and the name of the country from which the material is being supplied?
§ Captain HACKINGAn order for a small quantity of light railway material was placed recently with Messrs. Richter and Pickis, of 101, Finsbury Pavement. The value of the material, which is of German origin, is £25. It is usual to inquire the country of origin of material supplied to the Office of Works, and, wherever possible, to give preference to British-made material, but in this particular case the usual practice was, I regret, not followed.
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEIs my hon. and gallant Friend definitely of the opinion that it is impossible to get such material from British manufacturers?
§ Captain HACKINGNo; it is possible to get such material from British manufacturers.
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEThen may I ask why it was not done?
§ Captain HACKINGI have said that I regret that the usual custom was not followed, and am going to see that, if possible, there is no recurrence.